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SACRED  BIOGRAPHY  5 


OR  THZ 

HISTORY   OF    JESUS   CHRIST, 

3EING  A 

COURSE  OF  LECTURES, 

DELIVERED  AT  THS 

SCOTS  CHURCH,  LONDON-WALL* 


BY  HENRY  HUNTER,  D.  D. 


The  Firfi  American  Edition, 


Jesus  said  unto  them,  verify,  verify,  I  say  unto  you,  before 
Abraham  was,  lam. John  viii.  58. 

I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  ending,  saith  the 
Lord,  which  is,  and  whiefi  was,  and  which  is  to  come,  the 
Almighty,—* Revelation  i.B. 


WALPOLE,   K#  H. 
ttlMTIO  EOR  THOMAS  AND  THOMAS,  B"Y  D.  NEWHALL. 


»Sc>3. 


PREFACE 


TO  THE  ENGLISH  EDITION  OF  THIS  WORK. 

HAVING  found  it  requifite  to  publish  a  new  and 
uniform  Edition  of  Sacred  Biography  in 
four  volumes,  together  with  an  additional  volume  of 
lectures,  frequently  called  for,  on  the  hiftory  of  our 
bleiled  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  1  felt  my 
felf  in  juftice  obliged  to  print  that  volume  feparately, 
for  the  accommodation  of  thofe  who  may  have  pur- 
chafed  prior  editions  of  the  book  in  fix  volumes. 
Being  of  nearly  the  fame  fize  with  thefe,  it  admits  of 
being  bound  up  in  the  fame  form,  and  may  be  mark- 
ed Vol.  VII.  But  though  of  the  fame  fize,  the  Read- 
er will  pleafe  to  obferve  that  this  volume  contains 
fully  a  third  more  matter  than  any  of  the  preceding, 
the  fixth  excepted. 

For  the  liberal  patronage  given  to  the  work  by  the 
public  I  feel  myfelf  highly  indebted,  and  beg  leave 
hereby  to  exprefs  my  cordial  acknowledgments.  To 
the  people  of  my  immediate  charge  I  owe  a  tribute  of 
peculiar  thanks,  for  the  encouragement  and  fupport 
given  to  my  various  labours  during  an  union  of  more 
than  thirty  years.  Many  of  them,  I  know,  will  be 
gratified  in  reading  what  they  heard  with  fo  much 
patience,  attention  and  candor,  duiing  the  months  of 
November,  December  and  January  lad.  If  this  vol- 
ume fhall  furvive  me,  I  bequeath  it  to  them  as  a  fmal! 
token  of  an  affe&ion  and  gratitude  which  no  length 
of  time  or  change  of  circumftances  can  diminiih. 

From  the  very  nature  of  the  thing,   this  could  not 
poflibly  pretend  to  be  confidered  as  a  whole.     But  la 

not 


not  tvtry  incident  of  our  Saviour's  life,  a  whole  of 
itfelf,  while  it  is  in  an  intimate  connection  with  others, 
and  a  part  of  the  ftupendous  Whole,  which  far 
tranfcends  the  comprehension  of  men  and  of  angels  f 
Though,  therefore,  the  entire  volume  be  but  a  frag- 
ment, each  particular  difcourfe  aims  at  prefentingone 
diftinGand  individual  object,  gradually  melting  away 
into  another,  and  it  may,  of  courfe,  be  read  either  fep- 
arately,  or  as  a  link  in  a  chain.  The  additional  vol- 
ume, and  its  predecefTors,  I  again  recommend  to  the 
blefling  of  God  Almighty,  and  with  equal  deference, 
as  in  the  beginning,  cheerfully  fubmit  my  work  to* 
the  judgment  of  the  candid,  the  ferious  and1  th,e  be- 
rievolent. 

HENRY  HUNTER, 

..flexion,  tzth  March,  1802* 


CONTENTS. 


LECTURE    I. 

Paje 

Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  17 

John  i.  1 — 14. — tn  the  beginning  was  the  word,  and  the  word 
was  with  God.  The  lame  was  in  the  beginning  with  God. 
and  the  word  was  God.  All  things  were  made  by  him  ;  and 
without  him  was  not  any  thing  made  that  was  made.  In 
him  was  lite  ;  and  the  life  was  the  light  of  men.  And  the 
light  fhineth  in  darknefs  ;  and  the  darknefs  comprehended 
it  not.  There  was  a  man  fent  from  God,  whole  name  was 
John.  The  fame  came  for  a  witnefs,  to  bear  witnefs  of  the 
light,  that  all  men  through  him  might  believe.  He  was  not 
that  light,  but  was  fent  to  bear  witnefs  of  that  light.  That 
was  the  true  light  which  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  in- 
to the  world.  He  was  in  the  world,  and  the  world  was  made 
by  him,  and  the  world  knew  him  not.  He  came  unto  his 
own,  and  his  own  received  him  not.  But  as  many  as  receiv- 
ed him,  to  them  gave  he  power  to  become  the  fons  of  God  ; 
even  to  them  that  believe  on  his  name  :  which  were  born, 
not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  flefh,  nor  of  the  will  of 
man,  but  of  God.  And  the  word  was  made  flcfh,  and  dwelt 
among  us,  (and  wre  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the  only 
begotten  ot  the  Father,)  tull  ot  grace  and  truth. 


LECTURE    II. 
Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrift,  28 

Ifaiah  liii.  8r— Who  fhall  declare  his  generation  ? 

A  LECTURE 


LECTURE  JIL 
Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  J| 

Haggai  ii.  6— 9.— For  thus  faith  the  Lord  of  Hofts.  Yet  once, 
it  is  a  little  while,  and  I  will  make  the  heavens,  and  the  earth:, 
and  the  fea,  and*the  dry  land  ;  and  I  will  fhake  all  nations, 
and  the  defire  of  all  nations  (hall  come  :  and  I  will  fill  this 
houfe  with  glory,  faith  the  Lord  of  Hofts.  The  filver  is1 
mine,  and  the  gold  is  mine,  faith  the  Lord  of  Hofts.  The 
glory  of  this  latter  houfe  (hall  be  greater  than  of  the  former, 
ifeith  the  Lord  of  Hofts  :  and  in  this  place  will  I  give  pea^e, 
iakh  the  Lord  of  Hofts. 

LECTURE    IV. 

Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  43 

Luke  i.  1 1 — 20. —And  there  appeared  unto  him  an  angel  of  the 
Lord  Handing  on  the  right  fide  of  the  altar  of  incenfe.    And 
when  Zacharias  faw  him  he  was  troubled,  and  fear  fell  up- 
on him.    But  the  angel  laid  unto  him,  fear  not,  Zacharias  : 
for  thy   prayer  is  heard  ;  and  thy  wife  Elifabeth  fhall  bear 
thee  a  fon,  and  thou  fhalt  call  His  name  John.     And  thou 
fhalt  Have  joy  and  gladnefs  ;  and  many  fhall  rejoice   at   his 
birth.     For   he  fhall  be  great  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord,  and 
fhall   drink   neither  wine  nor  ftrong  drink  ;  and  he  fhall  be 
filled  with  the  Holy  Ghoft,  even  from  His   mother's   womb. 
And  many  of  the  children  of  Ifrael  fhall  he  turn  to  the  Lord 
their  God.     And  he  fhall  go   before  him  in  the  fpirit  and 
power  of  ERas,  to  turn  the  hearts  of  the  fathers   to  the  chil- 
dren^ and  the  difobedieat  to  the  wifdom  of  the  juft;  to  make 
ready  a  people  prepared  for  the  Lord.     And  Zacharias  faid 
unto  the  angel,  whereby  fhall  I  know  this  ?  for  I  airi  an  old 
man,  and  my  wife   well  ftricken  in  years.    And  the  angel 
anfwering,  faid  untohim,  I  am  Gabriel;  that   fland   in  the 
prefence  of  God  ;  and  am  fent  to  fpeak  unto  thee,  and  to 
fhew  thee   thefe  glad  tidings.     And,  behold,  thou  fhalt  be 
*  dumb,  and  rfcTt  able  to  fpeak,  until  the  day  that  thefe  things 

fhall  be  performed,  becaufe  thou  believeft  not  my  words* 

which  Olall  be  fulfilled  in  tb?ir  feajbn. 

LECTURE 


CONTENTS.     •  fttl 

LECTURE    V. 
Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrifh  53 

ILuke  i.  26—  33.— And  in  the  forth  month  the  Angel  Gabriel 
was  fent  from  God  unto  a  city  of  Galilee,  named  Nazareth. 
To  a  virgin  efooufed  to  a  man,  who.'e  name  wja  Joleph,  or 
the  houfe  of  David  ;  and  the  virgin's  name  was  Mary.  And 
the  angel  c^me  in  unto  her,  and  faid,  hail  thou  that  art  high- 
ly favoured,  the  Lord  is  with  thee  ;  bleifcd  art  thou  among 
women.  And  when  fhe  faw  him  Ihe  was  troubled  at  his 
faying,  and  call  in  her  mind  what  manner  of  falutation  this 
mould  be.  And  the  angel  faid  unto  her,  fear  not,  Mary  : 
for  thou  haft  tound  favour  with  God.  And  behold,  thou 
fhalt  conceive  in  thy  womb,  and  bring  forth  a  fon,  and  (hall 
call  his  name  Jefus.  He  ill  a  II  be  great,  and  (hall  be  called 
the  fon  ot  the  higheft  :  and  the.  Lord  God  fhall  give  unto 
Sim  the  throne  of  his  father  David  :  and  he  fhcdl  reign  over 
e  houfe  of  Jacob  tor  ever  ;  and  of  his  kingdom  there  fhall 

jbe  no  end, 

» 

LECTURE    VI. 
Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chiifi\  61 

tittke,  ii.  I— 14.— And  it  came  to  pafs  in  thofe  days,  that  there 
went  out  a  decree  from  Ceiar  Auguflus,  that  all  the  world 
Chould  be  taxed,  (and  this  taxing  was  firft  made  when  Cyre- 
nius  was  governor  of  Syria.)  And  all  went  to  be  taxed,  ev- 
ery  one  into  his  own  city.  And  .  Jofeph  aifo  went  up  from 
Galilee,  out  of  the  city  ot  Nazareth,  into  Jadea,  unto  -the 
•cfty  of  David,  which  is  called  Bethlehem,  (becaufe  he  was 
ot  the  houfe  and  lineage  ot  David.)  To  be  taxed  with  Mary 
■his' efpoufed  wife,  being  great  with  child.  And  fo  it  wa<, 
while  they  were  there,  the  days  were  accomplished  that  fiie 
mould  be  delivered.  And  (he  brought  forth  her  rirft-born 
-foh,  and  wrapped  him  in  fwaddling- clothes,  and  laid  him  in 
a  manger  ;  becaufe  there  was  no  room  tor  them  in  the  inn. 
And  there  were  in  the  huie  country  fhepherds  abiding  in 
the  field,  keeping  watch  Gver  their  flock,  by  night.  And, 
M,  the  angel  oi  the  Lord  came  upon  them,  and  the  glory  of 

the 


{y  CONTENTS. 

the  Lord  (hone  round  about  them  ;  and  they  were  fore  a~ 
fraid.  And  the  angel  laid  unto  them,  fear  not  :  for  behold, 
I  bring  you  good  tidings  of  great  joy,  which  fhall  be  to  all 
people.  For  unto  you  is  born  this  day,  in  the  city  of  David, 
a  Saviour,  which  is.  Chrift  the  Lord.  And  this  (hall  be  a, 
Hgn  unto  you  :  ye  ihall  find  the  babe  wrapped  in  Twaddling- 
clothes,  lying  in  a  manger.  And  fuddenly  there  was  with 
the  angel  a.  multitude  of  the  heavenly  hoft,  praifing  God, 
and  faying,  Glory  to  God  in  the  higheft,  and  on  earth,  peace, 
good  willtoward  men.. 


LECTURE  VII. 


Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chfift.       *         69 

Luke,  ii.40. — And  the  child  grew,  and  waxed  ftrong  in  fpirit* 
filled  with  wifdom;  and  the  grace  of  God  was  upon  him* 


LECTURE  VIIL 


Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  7? 

|,uke,  ii.  41 — 52;— Now  his  parents  went  to  Jerufaiem  every 
year  at  the  feaft  of  the  paffover.  And  when  he  was  twelve. 
years  old,  they  went  up  to  Jerufaiem  alter  the  cuftom  of  the 
feaft.  And  when  they  had  fulfilled  the  days,  as  they  return- 
ed, the  child  Jefus  tarried  behind  in  Jerufaiem  ;  and  Jofeph 
.and  his  mother  knew  not  of  it.  But  they,  fuppofing  him  to 
have  been  in  the  company,  went  a.day's  journey  ;  and  they 
fought  him  among  their  kinsfolk  and  acquaintance.  And 
when  they  found  him  not,  they  turned  back  again  to  Jeru- 
faiem feeking  him.  And  it  came  to  pafs,  that  alter  three 
days  they  found  him  in  the  temple,  fitting  in  themidftof  the 
doftors,  both  hearing  them  and  afking  them  queftions.  And 
all  that  heard  him  were  aftonifhed  at  his  un^erftanding  and 
anfwers.  And  when  they  taw  him  they  were  amazed  :  and 
his  mother  faid  unto  him,  Son,  why  haft  thou  thus  dealt  with 
us?  behold,  thy  father  and  I  have  fought  thee  farrowing. 
And  he  faid  unto  them,  how  is  it  that  ye  fought  me  ?  wiil  ye 
not  that  I  mufi  be  about  my  father's  buGnefs  f  And  they  un« 

derftood 


CONTENTS, 


derftood  hot  the  faying  which  he, /pake  unto  them.  And  he 
•went  down  with  them  and  came  to  Nazareth,  and  was  fub- 
jeer,  unto  them  ;  but  his  mother  kept  all  thefe  fayings  in  her 
heart.  And  Jefus  increafed  in  wifdom  and  itature,  and  in 
iavour  with  God  and  man* 


LECTURE    IX. 
Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  85 

Luke,  iii.  21 — 23.— -Now,  when  all  the  people  were  baptized, 
if.  came  to  pafs,  that  Jefus  alfo  being  baptized,   and  praying, 

■■  the  heaven  was  opened,  and  the  Holy  Ghoft  defcended  in  a 
bodily  fhape,  like  a  dove,  upon  him,  and  a  voice  came  from 
heaven,  which  faid,  thou  art  my  beloved  fon  ;  in  thee  I  am 
well  pleafed.  And  Jefus  himfelf  began  to  be  about  thirty 
years  of  age,  being,  (as  was  fuppofedj  the  fon  of  Jofeph, 
which  was  the  fon  of  Hcli. 

LECTURE    X, 

Hiftory   of  Jefus  Chrift*  96 

Matt,  iv.  1— 1 1.— Then  was  Jefus  led  up  of  the  Spirit  into  the 
"wildernefs,  to  be  tempted  of  the  Devil.  And  when  he  had 
failed  forty  days  and  forty  nights,  he  was  attcrwaids  an  hun- 
gered. And  when  the  tempter  came  to  him  he  laid,  it  thou 
be  the  fon  of  God,  command  that  thefe  flones  be  made  bread. 
But  he  anfwered  and  faid,  it  is  written,  man  fhall  not  live  by 
bread  alone,  but  by  every  word  that  proceedeth  out  df*thr 
mouth  of  God.  And  the  Devil  taketh  him  up  into  the  holy 
city,  and  fetteth  him  on  a  pinnacle  ot  the  temple,  and  faith 
unto  him,  if  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  caft  thyfelr  down  :  for 
it  is  written,  he  fhall  give  his  angels  charge  concerning  thee  ; 
and  in  their  hands  they  fhall  bear  thee  up,  left  at  any  time 
thou  dafh  thy  foot  ag^infl  a  ftone.  Jefus  faid  unto  him,  it 
is  written  again,  thou  fhalt  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy  God. 
Again  the  Pevil  taketh  him  up  into  an  exceeding  Righ 
mountain,  and  iheweth  him  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world, 

and 


Vi  CONTENTS- 

and  the  glory  of  them,  and  faith  unto  him,  all  rhefe  things 
will  I  give  thee,  if  thou  wilt  fall  down  and  worfhip  me. 
Then  faith  Jefus  unto  him,  get  thee  hence,  Satan  :  for  it  is 
written,  thou  (halt  worfhip  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only 
ihah  thou  ferve.  Then  the  Devil  leaveth  him,  and,  behold^ 
angels  came  and  miniflered  unto  him. 


LECTURE    XL 


Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chriflr.  107 

Luke,  iv.  13— 32.— And  when  the  Devil  had  ended  all  the 
temptation  he  departed  from  him  for  a  feafoia.  And  Jefus 
returned  in  the  power  of  the  fpirit  into  Galilee  :  and  there 
went  out  a  fame  of  him  through  all  the  region  round  about. 
And  he  taught  in  their  fynagogues,  being  glorified  of  all. 
And  he  came  to  Nazareth,  where  he  had  been  brought  up  : 
and,  as  his  cuftom  was,  he  went  into  the  fynagogue  on  <the 
.Sabbath  day,  and  flood  up  for  to  read.  And  there  was  de- 
livered unto  him  the  book  of  the  prophet  Efaias  :  and,  when 
ifoe  had  opened  tshe  book,  :he  found  the  place  where  it  was 
written,  the  fpirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon  me,  becaufe  he  hatl^ 
.anointed  me  to  preach  the  Gofpel  to  the  poor  ;  he  hath  fent 
me  to  heal  the  broken-hearted,. to  preach  deliverance  to  the 
captives,  and  recovering  of  fight  to  the'-blind,  to  fet  at  liber- 
ty them  that  are  bruifed  ;  to  preach  the   acceptable  year   o£ 

-  -t&e  Lord.'  And  he  clofed  the  book,  and  he  gave  it  again  to 
die  minifler,  and  fat  down.  And  the  eyes  of  all  them  that 
were  in  the  fynagogue  were  fattened  on  hi.ni.     And  he  be- 

1  .gan  to  fay  .unto  them,  this  day  is  this  Scripture  fulfilled  in 
your  ears.  And  all  bare  him  witnefs,  and  wondered  at  the 
gracious  words  which  proceeded  out  of  his  mouth.  And 
they  faid,  is  not  this  Jofeph's  fon  ?  And  he  faid  unto  them, 
ye  will  furely  fay  unto  me  this  proverb,  Phyfician,  heal  thy- 

■  felf  :  whatfoever  we  have  heard  done  in  Capernaum',  doal- 
fo  here  in  thy  country.  And  he  faid,  verily,  I  fay  unto  you,, 
no  prophet  is  accepted  in  his  own  country.  But  I  tell  you 
of  a  truth,  many  widows  were  in  Ifrael  in  the  days  of  Eiias, 
when  the  heaven  was  (hut  up  three  years  and  fix  months,, 
when  great  famine  was  throughout  all  the  land  ;  but  unto 
none  of  them  was  Elias  fent,  fave  unto  Sarepta,  a  city  of  Si- 
4on,  unto  a  woman  that  was  a  widow.     And  .many  lepers 

were 


consents.  vii 

herein  Iirael  in  the  time  of  Elifeus  the  prophet ;  and  none 
of  them  was  cleanfed,  faving  Naaman  the  Syrian.  And  al: 
they  in  the  fynagogue,  when  the?  heard  thefe  things,  were 
filled  with  wrath,  and  rofe  up  and  thruft  him  out  of  the  city, 
and  led  him  unto  the  brow  of  the  hill,  whereon  their  city  was 
built  that  they  might  caft  him  down  headlong.  But  he,  paff- 
ing  through  the  midft  ot  them,  went  his  way,  and  camt 
down  to  Capernaum,  a  city  ot  Galilee,  and  taught  them  on 
the  Sabbath  days.  And  they  were  aftonifhed  at  his  doftrinc  ! 
for  his  word  was  with  power.- 


Lecture  xil 


Miftory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  1 17 

Luke,  iv.  16— 22.— And  he  came  to  Nazareth,  where  he  had 
been  brought  up  :  and,  as  his  cuflom  was,  he  went  into  the 
fynagogue  on  the  Sabbath  day,  and  flood  up  for  to  read. 
And  there  was  delivered  unto  him  the  book  of  the  prophet 
Efaias  :  and,  when  he  had  opened  the  book,  he  found  the 
place  where  it  was  written,  the  fpirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon  me, 
iecaufe  he  hath  anointed  me  to  preach  thegofpel  to  the  poor; 
he  hath  fent  me  to  heal  the  broken  hearted,  to  preach  deliv- 
erance to  the  captives,  and  recovering  of  fight  to  the  blind,, 
to  fet  at  liberty  them  that  are  bruifed  ;  to  preach  the  ac- 
ceptable year  of  the  Lord.  And  he  ciofed  the  book,  and 
gave  it  again  to  the  minifter,  and  fat  down.  And  the  eyes 
of  all  them  that  were  in  the  fynagogue  were  fattened  on  him. 
And  he  began  to  fay  unto  them,  this  day  is  this  Scripture 
fulfilled  in  your  ears.  And  all  bare  him  witnefs,  and  won- 
dered at  the  gracious  words  which  proceeded  out  of  his 
xnouttn 


LECTURE    XIII. 
Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  129 

Luke,  iv.  26— 32. — And  he  ciofed  the  book,  and  he  gave  it 
again  to  the  minifter,  and  fat  down.  And  the  eyes  of  all 
them  that  were  in  the  fynagogue  were  fattened  on  him.  And 

he 


Viii  CO.NTE.NXS. 

he  began- to. fay  unto  them,  this  day  is  this  Scripture  fulfil- 
led in  your  ears.  And  all  bare  him  witnefs,  and  wondered 
at  the  gracious  words  which  proceeded  out  of  his  mouth. 
And  they  faid,  is  not  this  Jofeph's  fon  ?  And  he  faid  unto 
them,  ye  will  furely  fay  un*o  me  this  proverb,  Phyfician, 
-heal  thyfeif :  whatsoever  we  have  heard  done  in  Capernaum, 
do  alfo  here  in  thy  countiy.  And  he  faid,  verily  I  lay  unto 
-you,  no  prophet  is  accepted  in  his  own  country.  But  I 
tell  you  of  a  truth,  many  widows  were  in  Ifrael  in  the  days 
of  Elias,  when  the  heaven  was  fhut  up  three  years  and  fix 
months,  when  great  famine  was  throughout  all  the  land  : 
but  unto  none  of  them  was  Elias  fent,  fave  unto  Sarepta,  a 
city  of  Sidon,  unto  a  woman  that  was  a  widow.  And  many 
lepers  were  in  Ifrael  in  the  time  of  Elifeus  the  prophet  ; 
and  none  of  them  was  cleanfed,  laving  Naaman  the  Syrian, 
And  all  they  in  the  fynagogue,  when  they  heard  thefe  things, 
were  filled  with  wrath,  and  role  up,  and  thruft  him  out  of 
the  city,  and  led  him  unto  the  brow  of  the  hill,  whereon 
their  city  was  built,  that  they  might  caft  him  down  headlong, 
i But  he,  pacing  through  the  midft  of  them,  went  his  way, 
and  came  down  to  Capernaum,  a  city  of  Galilee,  and  taught 
them  onthe  Sabbath  days.  And  they  were  aftonifhed  at  his 
doctrine  :  for  his  word  was  with  power. 


LECTURE    XIV. 
Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  140 

Ivlatt.  iv.  12 — 22— Now,  when  Jefus  had  heard  that  John 
was  caft  into  prifon  he  departed  into  Galilee  ;  and  leaving 
Nazareth,  he  came  and  dwelt  in  Capernaum,  which  is  upon 
the  fea  coaft,  in  the  borders  of  Zabulon  and  Nephthalim  : 
that  it  might  be  fulfilled  which  was  fpoken  by  Efaias  the 
prophet,  faying,  the  land  of  Zabulon,  and  the  land  of  Neph- 
thalim, by  the  way  of  the  fea,  beyond  Jordan,  Galilee  of  the 
Gentiles ;  the  people  which  fat  in  darknefs  faw  great  light ; 
and  to  them  which  fat  in  the  region  and  fhadow  of  death 
light  is  fprung  up.  Prom  that  time  Jefus  began  to  preach, 
and  to  fay,  repent ;  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand. 
And  Jefus  walking  by  the  fea  of  Galilee,  faw  two  brethren,, 
Simon  called  Peter,  and  Andrew  his  brother,  cafting  a  net 
into  the  fea  :.  for  they  were  fifhers.  And  he  faith  unto  them, 
follow  me,  and  I  will  make  you  fifhers  of  men.    And  they 

ilraightway 


CONTENTS.  iK 

ftraightway  left  their  nets,  and  followed  him.  And  going 
on  from  hence,  he  faw  other  two  brethren,  James  the  fori  ofr 
Zebedee,  and  John  his  brother,  in  a  fhip  with  Zebedee  their 
father,  mending  their  nets  ;  and  he  caUed  them.  And 
they  immediately  left  the  fhip  and  their  father,  and  followed 
him. 


LECTURE    XV. 
Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  152 

Bejore  (he  Admiwjiration  t>j  the  Lord's  Supper. 

Luke,  x.  17 — 22. — And  the  feventy  returned  again  with  joy, 
faying,  Lord,  even  the  devils  are  fubject.  unto  usthrough  thy 
name.  And  he  faid  unto  them,  I  beheld  Satan  as  lightning 
fall  from  heaven.  Behold,  I  give  unto  you  power  to  tread 
on  ferpents  and  fcorpions,  and  over  all  the  power  of  the  en- 
rny  ;  and  nothing  mall  by  any  means  hurt  you.  Notwith- 
standing, in  this  rejoice  not  that  the  (pirits  are  iubject  unto 
you  ;  but  rather  rejoice,  becaufe  your  names  are  written  in 
heaven.  In  that  hour  Jefus  rejoiced  in  f'pirit,  and  faid,  I 
thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  thou 
haft  hid  thefe  things  from  the  wife  and  prudent,  and  bail  re- 
vealed them  unto  babes :  even  fo,  Father  ;  for  fo  it  feemed 
good  in  thy  fight.  All  things  are  delivered  tome  of  my  Fa- 
ther :  and  no  man  knoweth  who  the  Son  is,  but  the  Father; 
and  who  the  Father  is  but  the  Son,  and  he  to  whom  the  Son 
will  reveal  him. 


LECTURE    XVI, 


Hiiiory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  16S 

John,  ii.  1 — 1 1. — And  the  third  day  there  was  a   marriage  in 

Cana  of  Galilee  ;  and  the  mother  of  Jefus  was  there,   And 

both  Jefus  was  called,    and  his  difciples,  to    the   marriage. 

And  when  thev  wanted  win«,  the  mother  ui  jelus  faith  un- 

B 


0  CONTENTS 

?o  h'tn,  they  have  no  wine.  Jefus  faith  unto  her,  woman, 
what  have  I  to  do  with  thee  ?  mine  hour  is  not  yet  come. 
His  mother  faith  unto  the  fervants,  whatfoever  he  faith  unto 
you,  cio  it.  And  there  were  fetthere  fix  water  pots  of  {tone, 
alter  the  manner  of  the  purifying  of  the  Jews,  containing 
two  or  three  firkins  apiece.  Jefus  faith  unto  them,  fill  the 
water-pots  with  water.  And  they  filled  them  up  to  the  brim. 
And  he  faith  unto  them,  draw  out  now,  and  hear  unto  rhe 
governor  of  the  feaft.  And  they  bare  it.  When  the  ruler 
of  the  feaft  had  tafled  the  water  that  Was  made  wine,  and 
knew  not  whence  it  was,  (but  the  fervants  which  drew  the 
water  knew)  the  governor  of  the  feaft  called  the  bridegroom, 
and  faith  unto  him,  every  man  at  the  beginning  dotn  fet 
forth  good  wine  ;  and  when  men  have  well  drunk,  then  that 
which  is  worfe:  but  thou  haft  kept  the  good  wine  until  now. 
This  beginning  of  miracles  did  Jefus  in  Cana  of  Galilee, 
and  manifefted  forth  his  glory  ;  and  his  difciples  believed  on 
him. 


LEGT0RE    XVII, 


Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrift.     .  *8i 

Luke,  iv.  38—44. — And  he  arofe  out  of  the  fynagogue,  and  en- 
tered in  Simon's  houfe  :  and  Simon's  wife's  mother  was 
taken  with  a  great  fever  ;  and  they  befought  him  for  her* 
And  he  ftood  over  her,  and  rebuked  the  fever  ;  and  it  left 
her.  And  immediately  flie  arofe,  and  miniftered  unto  them. 
Now,  when  the  fun  was  fetting,  all  they  that  had  any  fick 
with  divers  difeafes  brought  them  unto  him  :  and  he  laid 
his  hands  on  every  one  of  them,  and  healed  them.  And 
devils  alfo  came  out  of  many,  crying  out,  and  faying,  thoii 
art  Chrift,  the  Son  of  God.  And  he,  rebuking  them,  fuf- 
iered  them  not  to  fpeak  :  for  they  knew  that  he  was  Chrift. 
And  when  it  was  day  he  departed,  and  went  into  a  defer! 
place  ;  and  the  people  fought  him,  and  came  unto  him,  and 
flayed  him,  that  he  fhould  not  depart  from  them.  And  he 
faid  unto  them,  I  muft  preach  the  kingdom  of  God  to  other 
cities  alfo  ;  for  therefore  am  I  fent.  And  he  preached  m 
the  fynagogues  ot  Galilee. 


LECTURE 


CONTENTS. 


L  EC  TU  R  E    XVIN. 


Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  293 

J«hn,  ii.  13—17. — And  the  Jews,  pafTover  was  at  hand  ;  and 
Jefus  went  up  to  Jerufalem,  and  found  in  the  temple  thofe 
that  fold  oxen,  and  iheep,  and  doves,  and  the  changers  or* 
money,  fitting  :  and  when  he  had  made  a  fcourgeof  frnall  cords, 
he  drove  them  all  out  of  thetempfe,  and  the  fheep,  and  the 
oxen  ;  and  poured  out  the  changers'  money,  and  overthrew 
the  tables  :  and  laid  unto  them  that  fold  doves,  take  theft- 
things  hence  ;  make  not  my  Father's  houfe  an  houfe  of 
merchandize.  And  his  difciples  remembered  that  it  wa: 
written,  the  zeal  of  thine  houfe  hath  eaten  me  up. 


LECTURE    XIX. 


Hiftory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  206 

■ 

John,  ii.  18 — 2  3. —Then  anfwered  the  Jews,  and  fa  id  unto  him, 
what  lign  flieweft  thou  unto  us,  feeing  that  thou  doeft  thefe 
things  ?  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid  unto  them,  deftroy  this 
temple,  and  in  three  days  I  will  raife  it  up.  Then  faid  the 
Jews,  torty  and  fix  years  was  this  temple  in  building,  and 
wilt  thou  rear  it  up  in  three  days  ?  But  he  fpakc  of  the  tem- 
ple of  his  body.  When,  therefore,  he  was  rii'en  from  the 
dead,  his  difciples  remembered  that  he  had  laid  this  unto 
ihem  ;  and  ;hey  believed  the  Scripture,  and  thje  word  which 
Jefus  bad  faid.  Now,  when  he  was  in  Jerufalem  at  the  paf- 
iover,  in  the  feaft-day,  many  believed  in  his  name,  whes 
they  faw  the  miracles  which  he  did.  But  Jefus  did  not  com- 
mit himfelf  unto  them,  becaufe  he  knew  all  men  :  and  need- 
«d  not  that  any  mould  tcftify  of  .man  :  for  he  knew  wHai 
w;as  in  man.  ;r;  ^  ./_" 


I.LCTURE 


xiv  CONTENTS, 

feeal  hi«  fervant.  An^  when  they  came  to  Jefus  they  be* 
fought  him  inftantly,  faying,  that  he  was  worthy  for  whom 
he  mould  do  this  :  for  he  loveth  our  nation,  and  he  hath 
built  us  a  fynagogue.  Then  Jefus  went  with  them.  And 
when  he  was  now  not  far  from  the  houie,  the  centurion  fent 
friends  to  him,  faying  unto  him,  Lord,  trouble  not  thyfelf  ; 
'for  I  am  not  worthy  that  thou  moulded  enter  under  my 
roof  :  wherefore  neither  thought  I  myfelf  worthy  to  come 
unto  thee  :  hut  fay  in  a  word,  and  my  fervant  (hall  be  heal- 
ed. For  I  alfo  am  a  man  fet  under  authority,  having  under 
me  foldiers  ;  and  I  fay  unto  one  go,  and  he  goeth  :  and  to 
another  come,  and  he  cometh  ;  and  to  my  fervant,  do  this, 
and  he  doeth  it.  When  Jefus  heard  thefe  things  he  marvel- 
fed  at  him,  and  turned  him  about,  and  faid  unto  the  people 
that  followed  him,  I  fay  unto  you,  I  have  not  found  fo  great 
faith,  no  not  in  Ifrael.  And  they  that  were  fent  returning 
to  the  houfe,  found  the  fervant  whole  that  had  been  fick. 


LECTURE    XXIII, 
Hiflory  of  Jefus  Chrift.  259 


John.  vi.  1—14. — After  thefe  things  Jefus  went  over  the  fea 
of  Galilee,  which  is  the  fea  of  Tiberias.  And  a  great  multi- 
tude followed  him,  becaufe  they  faw  his  miracles  which  he 
did  on  them  that  were  difeafed.  And  Jefus  went  up  into  a 
mountain,  and  there  he  fat  with  his  difciples.  And  the  pafT- 
over,  a  feaft  of  the  Jews,  W3S  nigh.  When  Jefus  then  lift- 
ed op  bu  eyes,  and  faw  a  great  company  come  unto  him,  he 
faith  unto  Philip,  whence  (hall  we  buy  bread,  that  thefe  may 
cat  ?  (And  this  he  faid  to  prove  him  :  tor  he  himfelf  knew 
what  he  would  do.)  Phiiip  anfwered  him,  two  hundred 
pennyworth  of  bread  is  not  Sufficient  for  them,  that  every 
one  of  them  may  take  a  little.  One  of  his  difciples,  Andrew, 
Simon  Peter's  brother,  faith  unto  him,  there  is  a  lad  here, 
which  hath  five  barley  loaves,  and  two  fraall  fifhes,  but  what 
are  they  among  fo  many  ?  And  Jefus  faid,  make  the  men 
fit  down.  Now  there  was  much  grafs  in  the  place.  So  the 
men  fat  down,  in  number  about  five  thoufand.  And  Jefus 
look  the  loaves ;  and  when  he  had  given  thanks  he  diftribu- 

ted 


CONTENTS.  xy 

ted  to  the  difciples,  and  the  difciples  to  them  that  were  fet 
down  ;  and  likewife  of  the  fifties  as  much  as  they  would. 
When  they  were  filled,  he  faid  unto  his  difciples,  gather  up 
the  fragments  that  remain,  that  nothing  be  loft.  Therefore 
they  gathered  them  together,  and  filled  twelve  baskets  with 
the  fragments  of  the  five  barley  loaves,  which  remained  over 
and  above  unto  them  that  had  eaten.  Then  thofe  men,  when 
they  had  feen  the  miracle  that  Jefus  did,  faid,  this  is  of  a 
truth  that  projphet  that  fhould  come  into  the  world. 


SACRED 


SACRED  BIOGRAPHY. 


LECTURE     ti 


JOHN,  1.   I—I4. 


in  the  beginning  was  the  word,  and  the  word  was  with  God% 
and  the  ward  was  God.  'Ike  fame  was  in  the  beginning  with 
God.  All  things  were  made  by  him  ;  and  without  him  was 
not  any  thing  made  that  was  made.  In  him  was  life:  and 
the  life  was  the  light  of  men.  And  the  light  Jliineth  in  dark- 
nefs  ;  and  the  darknefs  comprehended  it  not.  There  was  a, 
man  fent  from  God,  who fe  name  was  John.  The  fame  came 
Jor  a  witneCs,  to  bear  witnefs  of  the  light,  that  all  men  through 
him  might  believe.  He  was  not  that  light,  but  was  fent  to 
bear  witnefs  of  that  light.  That  was  the  true  tight  which 
lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the  world.  He  was  m 
the  zuorld,  and  the  world  was  made  by  him,  and  the  world 
knew  him  not.  He  came  vnto  his  own,  and  his  own  received 
him  not.  But  as  many  as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he  pow- 
er to  become  the  fons  of  God  ;  even  to  them  that  believe  on  his 
name  :  which  wert  born,  not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the 
fltfJi,  nor  of  the  will  of  man,  but  of  God.  And  the  word  was 
madeflefk,  and  dwelt  among  us,  (and  we  beheld  Jus  glor\, 
the  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of the  fathtrj  full  of grace 
and  truth. 

TPHE  idea  of  a  beginning  involves  that  of  antecedent  e 
-*■  ence,  from  which  that  beginning  originated.  The  begin- 
ning of  a  man's  life  implies  parentage  ;  the  being  of  a  tower  of 
a  city,  necefTarily  fupriofesa  pre-exiftfnt  heat!  to  plan,  and  a 
hand  to  execute.  The  vail  frame  of  Nature  taoft  have  had  its 
commencement  from  a  preceding  fkill  to  contrive,  and  apow- 
it  ro  perform.     Thf  Mofaic  account  of  the   Creation    11 

cnJy 


)l3  history  of  [Lea*   U 

only  one  that  found  reafon  can  admit.  If  God  created  the 
heavens  a-.d  the  earth.  God  was  hefore  the  heavens  ad 
the  earth.  Mofei  the  hifVorian,  and  John  the  evarigelifi  arrjr 
ns  back  to  one  and  the  fame  era,  carrv  us  up  to  one  and  the 
fame  all-wife,  all-powe»  ful  Bring.  Nature  and  Grace  i  flute 
from  the  fame  fource  and  tend  toward  the  fame  grand  confum- 
jria  ion.  The  prophet  and  the  apoftle  employ  the  feff-fame 
terms  to  defcribethe  fame  objecls,  "  He  that  built  all  things 
is  God  " 

It  has  been  remarked!  that  the  four  Evangelifts  introduce 
their  great  fubjeel  in  a  retrograde  fer'ies  of  repreferitation. 
Matthew's  gofpd  opens  with  a  difplay  brthe  Saviour's  human* 
uy.  and  prefnts  us  with  his  defcentas  a  man.  Mark  conveys 
us  back  to  the  age  of  prophecy,  and"  the  beginning  of  the 
gofpel  of  Jefus  Chrift  the  Son  of  God"  is  traced  up  to  the  pre-, 
diclions  of  Malachiand  Ifaiab.  Luke  the  beloved  phyfician 
refers  us  to  the,  Levitica)  prielrhood,  to  the  altar  of  incenfe, 
and  the  fen  ices  of  an  earthly  'ancillary.  "  a  fhadow  of  good 
things  to  come."  But  John  (bars  ebove  all  height  ;  he  re- 
curs to  the  birth  of  nature,  and  afcribes  that  birth  to  apre-exif- 
t  nr,  omnific  Word, which  in  "  the  fulnefs  of  time  was  made 
flefh,  and  dwelt  among  ns."  We  have  beheld  hic glory  dif play- 
ed in  the  ages  before  the  flood,  in  the  perlohs  and  prediclions 
of  patriarchs  and  prophets,  by  whom  "  God  at  fun  dry  times 
and  in  divers  manners  fp^ke  unto  the  fathers."  But  M  jfes  and 
Eliashave  difappeared  ;  the  "  voice  crying  in  t'le  wilderncfi" 
is  heard  no  more  ;  it  is  loft  in  a"  voice  from  heaven,"  faying, 
"This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleafed  ;  hear 
ye  Him." 

We  are  now  therefore  to  contemplate  "  him,  to  whom  all 
the  prophets  gave  uitnefs,"  in  his  own  perfon.  doftrine,  and 
mighty  works  ;  and,  as  the  order  of  things  prefcribes,  our 
contemplation  mnft  commence  in  what  he  was  in  the  begin- 
ning, prior  to  the  lapfe  of  time,  for  "  he  is  before  all  things, 
and  by  him  all  things  confift."  John,"  the  difciple  whom 
Jefus  loved."  long  furvived  the  reft  of  his  fellow-difciples 
He  kn*w  what  fome  of  them  had  written.  He  lived  to  fee 
the  progrefsof  the  tru'has  it  is  in  Chrift.  He  faw  the  divine 
origin  of  Ghrifhanity  demonftrated  hy  its  fuccef^,  and  he  be- 
came a  joyful  martyr  to  the  truth  which  he  publifhed  to  the 
world.  A  "  brother  and  companion  in  tribulation,  and  in  the 
kingdom  and  patience  of  Jefus  Chrift,"  in  common  with  other 
faints,  he  ret;red  into  exile  in  "  the  iile  that  is  called  Patmos," 
a  cheerful  victim  to  "  the  word  of  God,  and  the  teftimony  of 

lefus 


Left,    l.j  JESUS   CHRIST.  |a 

Jefus  ChriftV  Io  that  facred  retirement,  more  to  be  prized 
tha  .  all  the  blefiings  of  fociety,  he  is  vifited  with  the  vifions 
of  the  Almighty,  and  becomes  the  highly  honoured  minifter 
of  unfolding  the  charaHer,  offices  and  work  of  his  divin« 
and  beloved  Mafter,  from  the  days  of  eternity  to  the  final  con. 
lummation,  when  fie  who  (itteth  upon  the  throne  (ball  fay, 
11  Behold  I  make  ail  things  new."  The  Gofpel,  according  to 
St.  John,  and  t  e  Revelation  of  St.  John,  may  therefore  be 
conudered  as  together  forming  an  abflracl  of  the  plan  ofl'ruv- 
idence  from  the  fi lit  dawning  of  1'gh'  upon  the  world  of  na- 
ture to  the  perfect  day  of  'k  the  refiuution  o*  all  thing*.''  A  id 
one  and  the  fame  Agent  is  reprelented  as  the  animating  princi- 
ple which  is  before  all,  and  through  alt,  and  in  all. 

In  ike  beginning*  The  mind,  With  ail  its  powers,  lofes  it  felt 
in  Purveying  the  works  and  the  ways  oi  God.  I  have  a  dark, 
indiftinct  recollection  of  my  firit  emerfion  into  thought.  lean 
remember  fome  of  the  im|  leflion^  made,  of  the  forgows 
joys  felt,  when  I  was  a  little  child.  Soon  after  I  began  to  exiff,  I 
began  to  perceive  that  I  did  exift,  but  for  the  knowledge  of  all 
thai  preceded  I  iland  indebted  to  a  father's  intelligence,  to  a 
mother's  tendernefs.  They  were  to  me  the  beginning  of  days 
and  the  oracles  of  truth.  Their  own  pittanc?  of  illumination 
Sowed  in  the  fame  channel.  But  there  muff  have  been  a  point 
when  thought  began.  There  mull  have  Deen  an  intelligence 
which  could  communicate  the  power  of  comprehenfion  ;  there 
muff,  have  been  a  fpirit  which  could  breathe  into  man's  noftriU 
the  breath  of  life  ;  there  mull  have  been  one  without  a  begin- 
ning to  make  a  beginning.  And  who  He  was  the  Eva.igelift 
untolds. 

In  the  beginning  mas  the  Word.     Let  us   not  contend   a- 
bom  the  import  of  a  Greek  term.     If  our  evangelift    has   not 
an  intention  to  miilead,  but  one  idea  can  be  affixed  to  that  term. 
He  is  evidently  defcribing  God  the   crea  or.    in   the    view    of 
leading  us  to  know  and  to  acknowledge  the  Redeemer  of  man- 
kind as  one  and  the  lame  with  him.     "Who    was   made    flelh 
and  dwelt  among  us  ?•"  Who  *•  came  to  his  own  and   his  own 
received   him    not  ?;'  Who  M  was    defpifed    and    rejected    of 
men?"'  The  Word  that  was  in  the  beginning,    and    who    has 
revealed  himfelf  by  a  dilplay  of  lb    many    glorious  attributes. 
4*  Without  controverfy.    great   is   the   myftery  of  godlin 
God  was  manifefl  in  t!vj  fleth."     Is  this  propofitiou    to   be 
jotted  becaufe  it  is  mylterious  ?   For  the  lame  reafon    the 
tern  of  nature,  in  whole,  and  in  all  its  parts,  is  robe  rejected?  All 
is  myftery  ;  anda  ilafiori  arid  difco very,   from   the   in- 

fecl 


80  HISTORY    GF  [Left.   1, 

fe£l  too  f  mall  for  fight  f  wimming  In  a  drop  of  water,  up  to  yon- 
der flaming  orb  which  revolves  at  an  immeafurable  diitance  o- 
ver  our  heads.  Is  not  man  a  great  myflery  to  himfelf  ?  But  is 
he  to  renounce  his  being  becaufe  he  is  unable  to  explain  it  ? 
Is  he  to  call  the  union  ot  matter  with  mind  an  abfurdity  be- 
caufe their  mutual  influence  efcapes  his  penetration  ?  How 
many  combinations  actually  exifl  of  which  we  have  no  per- 
ception, and  which  we  would  pronounce  to  be  impofiible  !  In 
all  the  ways  and  works  ot  the  Mod  High  there  is  a  wonderful 
mixture  ot  luminousnefs  andobfcurity,of  minurenefs  and  mag- 
nitude, of  complexnefs  and  fimplicity.  And  Scripture  ex- 
hibits  the  connexion  of  extremes  fimilar  to  that  which  is  ap- 
parent in  the  world  of  nature  and  in  the  ways  of  Providence. 
This  is  a  prefumptios  at  leaft,  it  not  a  proof,  that  they  have  all 
one  original  ;  and  who  can  that  original  be  but  the  divine  per^ 
ion  emphatically  called  the  Word,  which  exifted  in  the 
plenitude  of  power,  wifdom  and  goodnefs  "  before  the  world 
was,"  but  ot  whofc  pre-exiftent  ftate  very  general  ideas  only 
are  communicated.  Indeed  none  other  can  be  communica- 
ted, for  when  the  mind  launches  into  infinity  it  is  overwhelmed 
and  loft.  If  the  wifdom  which  cries,  and  the  underftanding 
which  puts  forth  her  voice  in  the  writings  ot  Solomon,  be 
the  fame  with  the  Word  which  was  in  the  beginning,  as  a  com- 
parifon  of  the  two  pafiages  will  render  highly  probable,  we 
lhall  have  a  fublime  and  interefting  idea  ot  this  pre-exi(tent 
ilate.     The  evangelift  fays, 

The  word  was  with  God,  as  the  deliberative,  active,  deter- 
mining principle  ot  the  Eternal  mind.  The  wiie  man  ex- 
pands the  thought,  and  reprefents  the  plans  of  eterna} 
Wifdom  as  digefting  ;  the  framing,  arranging,  fupporting, 
governing,  redeeming  ef  a  world,  as  in  contemplation.  As  it 
admitted  into  the  counfels  ot  peace,  he  thus  unfolds  the  pur- 
pose of  Hun  who  workethail  things  after  his  own  will,  that  alj 
{honld  be  to  the  praife  of  his  glory  :  "  The  Lord  poflefled  me 
in  the  beginning  of  his  way,  before  his  works  of  old.  I  was 
fet  up  from  everlafting,  from  the  beginning,  or  ever  the  earth 
was.  When  there  were  no  depths  I  was  brought  forth  ;  when 
there  were  no  fountains  abounding  with  water.  Before  the 
mountains  were  fettled  ;  before  the  hills  was  I  brought  forth  : 
while  as  yet  he  had  not  made  the  earth,  nor  the  fields,  nor  the 
highefl  part  of  the  duff  ot  the  world.  When  he  prepared  the 
heavens  I  was  there  ;  when  he  fet  a  compafs  upon  the  face  ot 
the  depth ;  when  he  eflabliflied  the  clouds  above  ;  when  he 
{trengthened  the  fountains  of  the  deep  ;  when  he  gave  to  the 
feahis  decree,  that  the  waters  fhould  »ot  pafs  his  command- 

mertt  $ 


te£r,   I.j  JESUS   CHRIST.  a4 

merit ;  when  he  appointed  the  foundations  of  the  earth  ;  then 
I  was  by  him.  as  one  brought  up  with  him  ;  and  I  was  daily 
his  delight,  rejoicing  always  before  him  :  rejoicing  in  the  hab- 
itable part  or  his  earth  ;  and  my  delights  were  with  the  fons 
of  men/'  Thus  was  the  Word  with  &od  irom  eternity  taking 
plealure  in  the  profpeel  of  the  fabric  which  He  was  about  to 
rear  ;  of  the  creature  whom  he  was  going  to  frame,  and  whole 
nature  he  was  in  due  time  to  aflame  ;  that  he  might  make  the 
children  o'f  men  *■  partakers  oi'  the  divine  nature,"  an  un:on  as 
myiterious  andincomprehenfible  as  that  of  foul  and  body,  as 
that  ot  the  perfons  in  the  Deity,  and  as  evidently  matter  of 
truth  and  revelation  as  thele  are. 

And  the  Word  "-c.\  God.  f-Jere  "  the  difciple  whom  Jefus 
loved"  recognizes  in  his  Mailer,  oo  whofe  bofom  he  leane*d  at 
fupper,  kl  all  the  fulnefs  ot  the.,  godhead  dwelling  .bodily." 
Left  the  exprellion  the  Word^as  WITH  God  might  be  fup- 
pofed  to  imply  feparation,  difference,  as  a  man  who  fojourns 
i<ith  his  friend  is  nevertheless  a  different  being  from  that  friend, 
the  eva-igeilt  fpeaks  out  fairly,  fully,  unequivocally,  the 
truth  which  he  himfell  believed,  and  which  he  was  divinely 
infpircd  to  deliver  to  mankind,  that  they  alio  might  believe. 
If  St.  John  be  not  in  th-fe  words  delivering  the  do6trine  of 
the  real  and  proper  Deity  ot  Jefus  Chrifr,  he  is  e:ther  himfelf 
labouring  under  a  delufion,  or  he  intentionally  means  to  de- 
ceive, or  there  is  no  meaning  in  language,  and  confequently 
no  diftintt  and  fare  channel  ot  communication  between  man 
and  man. 

The  fame  was  in  the  beginning  with  God.  John  i peaks  as  - 
propiet  a-:  well  as  an  evangeliit.  Forefeeing  that"  talie  teach- 
ers" mould  arife,  "  even  denying  theLordthaf  bought  them,' 
he  employs  a  clearness,  a  copioufnefs,  a  force  of  ex  predion  or. 
this  momentous  point, not  to  be  mifunder  (food,  not  to  be  (lighted, 
not  to  be  explained  away.  When  a  mailer  charges  his  fervan: 
with  a  melTage  ot  peculiar  importance,  he  repeats  it  again  and 
again. he  puts  it  into  every  different  form,  in  order  to  avoid  am- 
biguity and  to  prevent  miftake.  This  is  evidently  thecale  here. 
It  muil  not  be  made  a  queftion,  "  Of  whom  fpeaketh"  the  e- 
vangeliihhus?  u  of  himfelf,  or  of  fome  other  man  ?" The  iden- 
tity ot  the  perfon  is  afcertained  beyond  the  reach  of  doubt. 
He  is  the  fame  betore  time  began  its  race  ;  the  fame  who  let 
time  a  flowing;  the  fame  through  every  period  ot  duration  ;  the 
Jame  under  every  character  and  in  every  condition. 

Where  is  the  prooi  that  the  Word  was  God?  All  things 
'were  made  by  him  j  and  without  him  was  not  any  thing  made. 

that 


2*  HISTORY    OF  [Left.    f„ 

that  -vat  made.  Behold  the  execution  oF  the  eterml  plan. 
The  defign  is  copied  to  an  iota.  It  is  the  incommunicable 
prerogative  of  Deity  to  create.  He  who  creates  cannot  be 
him  felt"  a  creature  By  //^Word  were  all  things  made,  the 
Word  therefore  could  not  have  been  made.  What  God  did 
bv  the  Word  of  his  power  he  did  by  himfelt  ;  and  "  through 
filth  we  understand  'hat  the  worlds  were  trained  by  the  Word 
of  God."  Mark  the  univerfality  of  this  creative  energy  ;  All 
things  were  made  by  Him.  The  apottle  makes  a  fplendid  enu- 
meration  of  thole  all Hvn^s,  in  his  epiftle  to  the  Colofiians, 
ch.  i.  v.  .6.  "  For  by  Him  "-ere  all  things  created  that  are  in 
heaven,  and  that  are  in  earth,  vifible  and  invifible,  whether 
they  be  thrones,  or  dominions,  or  principalities,  or  powers  ; 
nil  things  were  created  by  him  and  for  him  "  Wherever 
therefore  there  is  created  evidence,  there  is  omnipotent,  omni- 
pref-m,  creating  and  luftaining  virtue,  and  there  can  be  but  One 
Omnipotent  Omniprefent.  "  Angels"  are  fad  to  "  excel  in 
ftxength,"  but  that  ftrength  is  imparted,  and  it  is  exerted  or  re- 
trained by  a  will  not  their  own  ;  they  "  do  His  command- 
ments, hearkening  unto  the  voice  of" his  word."  Man  is  capa- 
ble ot  doing  great  things,  but  his  power  is  limited  to  the  modi- 
fication of  m  terials  provided  to  his  hand.  Chrifiians  are  in- 
deed faid  to  be  "  labourers  together  with  God,'"  and  "  workers 
together  with  him  ;"  it  s  the  higheft  glory  ot  human  nature  : 
but  this  labouring  and  working  is  not  in  aid  to  feeblenefs,  it 
goes  not  to  the  production  of  what  had  no  previous  being;  it 
iimpiy  implies  the  adoption  ot  the  lame  views  with  God,  and 
the  imitation  of  his  works  of  goodnefs  and  mercy.  The  unit, 
ed  powers  of  angels  and  men  are  unequal  to  the  formation  of  a 
Jingle  atom,  for,  to  the  afcription  ot  the  creation  of  univerfal 
nature  to  the  Wrord,  John  iubjoins  his  exclufive  title  to  the. 
character  of  Creator  :  it  is  a  glory  which  he  will  not  give  to  a- 
nv  other  ;  "  without  him  was  not  any  thing  made  that  was 
made."  *'  He  fpake,  and  it  was  done  ;  he  commanded  and  it 
Mood  faft."  kt  God  faid,  Let  there  be  light,  and  there  was 
light."     And  who  but  God  could  thus  fpeak,  thus  produce  ? 

In  Him  uashfe.  In  the  vegetable  world  life  is  a  ftate  of  ex- 
nanhon,  a  progrefs  of  fructification,  a  power  ot  reproduction, 
but  ali  iffuing  in  the  decay  and  diffolution  of  the  parent  germ. 
A  grain  of  wheat  fit  order  to  vitality  muff,  itfelf  con  fume. 
"  That  which  thou  foweft  is  not  quickened,  except  it  die." 
It  has  not  the,  cforc  life  in  itfelf  It  was  the  divine  mandate 
which  firff  generated,  and  which  ftifl  Supports  the  wonderful 
procefs.  "  God  faid,  Let  the  earth  bring  forth  grafs,  the  herb 
yielding  feed,  and  the  fruit  tree  yielding  fruit,  whofe  feed  was 


Lecl.   I ."]  J2SUS   CHRIST.  £g 

in  itfelf  upon  the  earth  after  his  kind  :  and  it  \tfas  fo  :  and 
God  faw  that  it  was  good."  From  the  fame  fountain  of  liie 
proceeded  animal  nature  :  '*  All  fheep  and  oxen,  yea  and  the 
beafts  ot  the  field  :  the  fowl  ot  the  air,  and  the  fifh  of  the  fe^ 
and  whatfoever  palfeth  through  the  paths  ol  the  leas/'  A 
higher  fpecies  of  life  i  flues  from  the  feif  fame  fource.  "  Ti:e 
Lord  God  formed  man  ol  the  duft  ot  the  ground,  and  breathed 
into  his  noftnls  the  breath  oi  life  and  man  became  a  living 
foul."  In  all  thefe  gradations  we  behold  a  vital  principle: 
but  that  principle  derived,  flanding  in  need  ot  continual  (up* 
plies,  and  haftening  to  extinction.  Here  we  are  pre  fen  ted 
with  life  underived,  needing  no  external  f»£port,  ibexiinguifht 
able.  "  In  Him"  fupercmmently  kt  was  lite  ;"  a  lite  of 
which  man  is  in  a  peculiar  fenfe  partaker  :  and  the  life  <uas  the 
light  of  men. 

"  The  light  of  the  body  is  the  eye  ;"  and  a  precious  gift  it 
is.  M  Truly  the  light  is  fweet,  and  a  pleafant  thing  it  is  for 
the  eyes  to  behold  the  fun."  Rut  the  faculty  of  vifion,  as  well 
as  fome  others,  is  heilowed  in  a  higher  degree  of  acutenefs  on 
certain  of  the  animal  creation,  than  upon  man.  lie  however 
pofTefles  a  light  denied  to  the  beafts  that  perifh.  M  Thete  is 
a  fpirit  in  man  and  the  infpiration  of  the  Almighty  givcth 
th^m  underftanding."  **  The  fpirit  ot  man  is  the  candle  of  the 
Lord."  by  which  he  is  diftinguifhed  fiom,  and  exalted  far  a- 
bove  the  beatts  ot  the  ea.th  and  the  fowls  of  heaven.  And 
this  "  light  of  men*1  is  the  gift  ot  Him  who  "  has  lite  in  him- 
felt."  "  He  that  planted  the  ear,  (hall  he  not  hear  ?  He  that 
formed  the  eye,  (hall  he  not  fee  ?  He  that  teacheth  man  knowl- 
edge, fh  ill  not  he  know  V* 

4nd  the  light /hi  net h  in  dafknefs.     Material  light  neceflarily 
difpels  darknefs  ;  when  the  fun  rifes  the   fhadows    flee   away. 
But  mental  darknefs  refills  thecleareftlight.     The  great  foarce 
ot  intellectual  day  has  fhined  through  every  age  and  upon  eve- 
ry land  ;  but  every  age  and    every    land    have  exhibited    men 
grovelling  sn  the  dark,  wilfully  (hutting  their  eyes,   and    then 
denying  the  exiftence  of  light.     The  hiftory  of  mankind   is   a 
melancholy  demonftration  ot  tin's,   '  and  this  is  the  condemna- 
tion, that  light  is  come  mto  the  World,  .  >vcd  darl 
rather  than  light,  becaufe  their  deeds  were  evil,  tor  everj 
that  doth  evil  hateth  the  light,  neither cometh  to  the  light, 
his  deeds  (hould    be  reproved."     It  is  a   coi  heart   that 
diftu'bs  and  miileads  the   intellect.     '*  If,  thereto]         O   man, 
"  the  light  that  is  in  thee  be  darknefs,    how  g'eat    is  that  dark- 
nefs !"  On    whom  docs  this  cenlurc  tali  r*   On 
lions,  and  the  grofler  periods   o'   tgn  i  rbarifra  ? 


H 


HISTORY   OF  [Left.   U 


Yes,  and  likewife  on  periods  ofillumination  and  refinement 
on  nations  w^o,  in  the  pride  of  their  heart,  appropriated  all  . 
wifdom  to  themfelves,  and  ftigmatized  the  reft  of  mankind 
-with  the  name  ot  Barbarian  ;  it  falls  on  the  boafted  ages  of 
Alexander  and  of  Auguftus,  on  learned  Athens  and  imperial 
Rome  Ot  them  it  is  that  the  apoftle  Paul  thus  writes: 
"  When  they  knew  God,  they  glorified  him  not  as  God,  neith- 
er were  thankful,  but  became  vain  in  their  imaginations  and 
their  foolifh  heart  was  darkened.  Profe fling  themfelves  to  be 
wife,  they  became  fools  :  and  changed  the  glory  of  the  un- 
corruptible God  into  an  image  made  like  corruptible  man,  and 
to  birds,  and  four-footed  beafts,  and  creeping  things.  Who 
changed  the  truth  of  God  into  a  lie,  and  worfhipped 
and  ferved  the  creature  more  than  the  Creator."  This 
accounts  for  that  earneftnefs  of  exhortation  employed  by 
the  lame  apoftle  in  his  epiftle  to  the  Ephefians  :  "  This  I  fay, 
and  teftify  in  the  Lord,  that  ye  henceforth  walk  not  as  other 
Gentiles  walk,  in  the  vanity  of  their  mind,  having  the  under- 
{landing  darkened,  being  alienated  from  the  life  of  God, 
through  the  ignorance  that  is  in  them,  becaufe  of  the  blindnefs 
of  their  heart  :  who,  being  paft  feeling,  have  given  themfelves 
over  unto  lafcivioufnefs,  to  work  all  Uncleannefs  with  greedi- 
nefs."  Thus  though  the  Light  of  the  world  (hone,  and  ftili 
Jhinetk,  the  darknefs  comprehended  it  not.  On  whom  does  the 
cenfure  fall  ?  On  pagans  of  ages  paft,  and  on  pagans  now 
"•  walking  in  darkrtefs,  and  dwelling  in  the  land  of  the  fhadow 
of  death  ;"  on  unbelieving  Jews  and  the  blinded  pofterity  of 
Ifhmael  ?  Alas  !  "  darknefs  ftill  covers  earth"  of  lands  de- 
nominated Chriflian,  "  and  grofs  darknefs  the  people"  who 
bear  that  venerable  name.  What  grievous  ignorance  have  we 
to  deplore  1  what  impudent  infidelity,  what  abounding  iniqui- 
ty, what  horrid  profanation  of  the  name,  ot  the  day,  of  the  book 
of  God  !  '  Sun  of  righteoufnefs,  arife"  on  thefe  finful  lands 
M  with  healing  in  thy  wings,"  "  deliver  us  from  the  power  of 
darknefs,"  that  we  may  -be  "  light  in  the  Lord." 

The  evangelift  having  difplayed  the  glory  of  the  Word,  as 
the  fource  of  all  being,  whether  material,  anima'l  or  intelligent^ 
adverts  to  the  million  of  John  Baptift,  his  immediate  forerun- 
ner, "  the  voice  crying  in  the  wildernefs,  Prepare  ye  the  way 
of  the  Lord,  make  ftraight  in  the  defert  a  high-way  for  our 
God  ;"  the  finger  pointing  to  "  the  Lamb  of  God  which  tak- 
eth  away  the  fin  of  the  world."  Paying  all  due  honour  to 
that"  burning  and  mining  light"  which  came  in  the  fpirit  and 
power  of  Elias,  he  reprefents  him  as  merely  the  harbinger    or. 

the 


Left.    I.]  JESUS    CHRIST.  fi5 

the  LiCHT,  the  true  Light,  which  hghtdh  every  man  that  com* 
ith  into  the  world.  John  Baptift  came  for  a  mtne/s$  and  he 
faithfully  delivered  histcflimony  :  "  He  that  cometh  after  me 
is  prefened  before  me  ;  for  he  was  before  me  —  whole  fiioes* 
latchet  I  am  not  worthy  to  unloofe  :  He  mud  increafe,  but  I 
mulidecreafe,"  as  the  morning  ftar  "  hides  his  diminished  head" 
When  the  great  orb  of  day  appears, 

"  Through  faith  we  underffand  that  the  worlds  were  framed 
by  the  Word  of  God,"  but  "  the  world  by  wifdom  knew  not 
God  "  He  was  in  the  world  through  the  whole  extent  of  its  du- 
ration, as  the  all- upholding  Word,  the  all-regulating  power, 
but  the  men  of  the  world,  e  en  "  the  wife  and  pfwdent"  dif- 
cemed    him    not,   ackri  -  'd   him  not,   adored   him   not. 

"The    fulnefs  of  tim.  g  h  cattle.     1  he  Scriptures  were 

fulfilled  ;  the  day  whii  h  '  Abraha  n  rejoiced  to  fee"  began  to 
dawn  ;  the  "  Star  out  o^  Jacob"  arore.  Surely  man  will  fall 
down  and  worfhip  h  m.  The^  f  ntly,  at  1  aft,  "  to  whom 
pertdineth'the  adopion  and  theglorx.  and  the  covenants  and 
the  gr  ing  of  the  law.  and  f:.e  ten  :  eoi  G  id,  and  the  promif- 
es,  whofe  are  the  fathers  an-'  of  whom,  as  com  erning  the  flefn, 
Chrifl:  came,"- they  fuiely  will  fi  ck  to  "  the  brightness  of  his 
rifmg."  Th  s  is  a  reaforiable  expedition,  but  it  was  not  real- 
ized. The  melancholy  faci  is,  H  came  unt  his  o  /?,  and  Ins 
own  received  km  not%  and  the  prediction  is  verified  by  the  e- 
vent  ;  "  When  we  (hall  fee  him,  there  is  nolcauty  that  we 
fhould  defire  him  :  He  is  defpifed  and  rejected  of  men" — 
they  "  hid  their  faces  from  him  ;  he  was  defpifed,  and  they 
efteemed  him  not." 

This  carries  us  forward,  with   our" ev angel i ft,    to  the   great, 
the  eventful  d<y  when  tie  Word  s/«j  7nadefl  flz  and  dwelt  a- 
mong  us.     The  Scripture  term,  flfi,  it   is  well  known    means 
man,  human  nature,  the  human  race.     Thus  in  defcribing   the 
universality  of  human   degeneracy   it  is    laid,  M  All  fljh  had 
corrupted  their  ways  "      1  hus,  in  confidence  of  divine   protec- 
tion, the  Pfalmift  exultingly  exr*aims,  "  I  will  not  fear    what 
Jlejli  can  do  unto  me."     And  the  Prophet,  viewing  the  redemp- 
tion of  mankind  as  co-ex  ten  G   e  with  mortality,  while    he  de- 
Clares  that  •*  tWJlrJh  is  grafs,"  triumphs   in  the  thought 
"  iWpjh  mould  fee  the  falvation  of  God."     To  thefe,   inou- 
merable  inftances  might  be  adduced  to  prore  that  the  Evan 
ift,  when  he  lays  "  the  Word  was  made/7^"  means  to  cor 
this  idea,  that  the  Word,  all-creating,  all-vivifying,   all-illu- 
rninatmg,  ailnmed  humanity,  "  was  in  the  world,"  tabern. 
among  men,  emitted  a  :■  .  glorv,  "  as  of  the  onh 


26  HISTORY    OF  [Left.    f„ 

of  the  Father,  full  of  grace  and  truth."  "  Verily  he  took  not 
on  him  the  nature  of  angels  ;  but  he  took  on  him  the  feed  of. 
Abraham'1 — "  as  the  children  are  partakers  of  flefh  and  blood, 
healfo  himfeli  likewife  took  part  of  the  lairie'V'  in  all  things 
it  behoved  kirn  to  be  made  like  unto  his  brethren" — "  ior  which 
cau/e  he  is  no?  afhamed  to  call  them  brethren  " 

And  thus.  Men  and  Brethren  we  perceive  one  and  the  fame 
animating  principle  calling  worlds  into  exiftence,  peopling 
them  with  angels  and  men,  communicating  intelligence,  ex- 
cicifing  unbounded  empire— and  making  himfeli  of  no  repu- 
tation, in  the  form  of  a  fervam,  in  the  likenefs  of  men,  and 
being  found  in  fafbion  as  a  man,  humbling  himfelf  to  a  mean 
eflate,  to  the ■  fuffcring  of  reproach  and  contempt,  becoming 
"  obedient  unto  death,  even  the  death  of  the  crois."  To  what 
meannefij  of  condiiion  ought  not  we  his  dtfciples,  therefore, 
cheerfully  to  fubmit  ?  "  For  our  fakes  he  became  poor,"  and 
mall  we  be  afhamed  ofhoneft  poverty  ?' Did  he  go  by  the 
name  of  **  the  carpenter's  fon,"  and  dare  a  C  nftian  oftenta- 
tioufly  to  difpl  >y  the  heraldry  of  his  anceftors,  or  to  bluih  at 
what  the  world  calls  low  birth  ?  "  He  hath  not  defpifed,  nor 
abhorred  the  affliction  of  the  affii&ed,  nor  hid  his  face  hottt 
him  when  he  tried,"  and  can  one  called  by  his  name  turn  a 
deaf  ear  to  the  cry  of  dilirefs,  or  hide  his  lace  irom  a  poor  broths 
er  ?  We  cannot  like  him  fay  "  Let  there  be  light"—"  Laza- 
rus come  forth  ;"  we  cannot  like  him  walk  on  water  or  filence 
the  wind  ;  we  cannot  like  him  give  eyes  to  the  blind,  01  fpeech 
to  the  dumb.  But  we  may  with  him  be  "  meek  and  lowly  in 
heart."  merciful  and  companionate,  forbearing  and  forgiving: 
we  can  go  abou  doing  good,  and  miniftering  to  the  neceffitouf* 
We  cannot  attain  to  the  height  of  his  divine  excellence  and 
perfection,  but  we  may  with  him  defcend  to  the  low  Heft  offices 
ol ;  r-eneficence  and  c  ndefcenfion  !  we  may  learn  ol  him  to 
"  overcome  evil  with  good." 

On  the  other  hand,  to  what  height  of  elevat;on  may  not  the 
Chriftian  afpire  ?  Let  not  the  idea  of  temporal  elevation  feduce 
you.  Think  not  of"  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  and  the  glory 
or  them;"  which  perifh  with  the  ufing.  Chrift's  "  kingdom  is 
riot  of  this  world."  Let  not  the  biind  ambition  of  the  fons  of 
Zebedee  fuggeft  a  dream  of  right  and  left  hand  places  by  the 
fide  ol  an  earthly  throne  Be  it  your  ftudy  and  ambition  to 
"  have  this  mind  in  you  which  alfo  was  in  Chnft  jefus  "  Let 
the  avarice  of  the  orldly  mind  accumulate  bag  upon  bag,  add 
houle  to  hoiife,  field  to  field,  but  let  a  nobler  avarice  excite 
you,  the  difciples  of  the  bleffed  Jefus,  to  "  add  to  your  faith, 
virtue  ;  and  to  virtue,  knowledge  ;  and  to  knowledge,  temper- 
ance : 


Left.    1.]  JESUS    CHRIST. 

ance;  and  to  temperance,  patience;  and  to   pati 
nefs  ;  and  to  godlinefs,  brotherly  kindnefs  ;  and 
kindnefs,  charity."     Thefe  are  the  titles,  the  liars  r.nd  the  .     - 
bons  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  '*  it    thefe  tfii    -       ie   in 
you.  and    abound,  they    make   you    that    you  ihall  neitliei 
barred  nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  JefusChrift." 
Let  the  fpirit  of  adventure  and   fcience  discover  unknown  re- 
gions and  nations  on  the  globe,  and  new  planets  in  the   firma- 
ment of  heaven  ;  be  it    your  concern,   Chrifrian,   your    fludy, 
your  employment,  to  contemplate,  through  the %hlsot'promi/et 
'•  new  heavens  and  a  new  rath,  wherein  dwelieth    rig  hteouf- 
neis."     Suffer  the  man  of  the  world  toenjoy  his  triumph  ;   iui 
ler  him  to  outflrip  his  rival,  to  run  down  his  enemy  ;  be  thine 
the  more  glorious  triumph  to  promote  a  rival,   to  fpire  an  ad- 
verfary,  as  knowing  that  "  He  who    is  How   to  anger  is    better 
than  the  mighty  :  and  he  thatrulelh  his  fpirit  than  he  that  tak« 
eth  a  city."  \ 

Such,  difciple  of  Jefus,  be  thy  holy  afplfatiOfW,  fuch 
pride  and  ambition;  and  may  fuch  be  thy  blefled  attainments 
even  in  time  :  thought  is  loft  in  contemplating  "  the  glory 
that  is  to  follow. •'  The  beloved  difciple  lhall  declare  it,  in  the 
fublimity  of  his  own  conception  and  expreflion,  or  rati, 
the  idea  and  diftion  with  which  the  Holy  Spirit  fupplied  his 
pen  :  *'  Behold,  what  manner  of  love  the  Father  hath  bellowed 
upon  us,  that  we  fhould  be  called  the  Ions  of  God  !  therefore 
the  world  knoweth  us  not.  becaufe  it  knew  him  not.  Beloved, 
now  are  we  the  fons  of  God  ;  and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what  we 
fhall  he:  but  we  know  that,  when  he  (hall  appear,  we  (hall  be 
like  him  ;  for  we  fhall  fee  him  as  he  is.  And  every  man  that 
bath  this  hope  in  him  puntieth  himfeli,  even  as  he  is  pure." 


sS  HISTORY   0  2  [Left.   «- 

LECTURE     IL 

ISAIAH,    LIU.   & 

Who/hall  declare  his  generation  f 

THE  hiftory  of  countries  generally  c<  mmences  with  a  geeM' 
graphical  account  ot  their  fituation  and  extent  ;  of  the  cli- 
mate and  foil  ;  of  the  names  and  the  reafon  of  irr.ponng    fuch. 
names  ;  ot  the  era  and  the  means  ot  difcovery  ;  of  the  origin- 
al inhabitants,  and  ot   other  circumiiances    tending  either  to 
communicate  ufefui   information  or  «o  gratify  cunoiity.     The 
biographer,  in  like  manner,  in  delineating  tlwlife  of  his  prince, 
itatefman,  hero  or  philoiopher,  ufally  begins   with    tracing  his 
pedigree  and  parentage,  and  enables  the  reader  to  form   fome, 
acquaintance  with  his  anceljors,  in  order  to  introduce  theper- 
fonage  himfelf  with   greater  advantage  and    effecl     Bat    both 
the  general  hiftorian  andthe  biographer  qnickly  lofe  themfelves 
in  refearch.     The  origin  of  no   nation   or  individual   can   be 
traced  up  to  its  fource.     The  light  becomes  fainter  and   fainter 
as  we  proceed,  the  object  is  rendered  more  obfcure  and  uncer- 
tain..till  time  at  length  fpreads  his  (able  mantle  over  it,  and  we 
berold  it  no   more.     Who    then  (hall  declare  his  generation, 
who   '"  was  in  the  beginning  with    God,  by  whom  all  things 
were  made,  and  without  whom  was  not  any  thing  made  that  is 
made." 

We  are  advancing,  men  and  brethren,  upon  holy  ground  ; 
ground  fared  as  Lden's  blifstal  plains,  as  the  region  which 
Surrounded  the  huih  that  burned  with  fire,  as  Sinai's  awful 
fummit.  Borne  aloft  on  the  pinions  ot  the  celefiial  dove,  we 
are  aiming  a  l  old,  adventurous  flight  into  the  heaven  of  heav- 
ens, to  expatiate  through  the  boundlef-  regions  of  eternity,  to 
contemplate  objects  which  "angels  defire  to  iook  into."  to 
iearch  into  the  "  g  eat  myftery  of  godlinefs,"  to  lofe  ou Helves 
in  feeking  "  to  know  the  love  of  Chrifl  which  paiTeth  knowl- 
edge." 

We  are  going  to  attempt  a  delineation  of  the  Life  and  Hif- 
tory of  Jcfus  Chrift,  the  Saviour  ot  Men.  My  heart  fails  a* 
the  thought  of  the  tafk  wh»ch  I  have  undertaken  ;  my  tongue 

cleaves 


jjLect.  tiv]  Jesus  CHiusi 


*9 


cleaves  to  the  roof  of  ray  mouth.  Spirit  of  Grace,  efrabliCh 
thou  my  heart — 

"  O  thou  my  voice  infpire, 

*«  Whotoudi'd  Uriah's  hallow'd   lips  with  fiic  !'• 

The  queftiort  of  the  prophet  which  has  now  been  read  and 
which  fLiggeHedthe  idea  that  we  mean  to  puriue  through  this 
Lecture,  is  interwoven  with  a  variety  ot  pointed  and  linking 
predictions  which,  whether  taken  feparatcly  or  in  theii  combi- 
nation, can  apply  mly  to  one  peifon  ;  and  who  that  perfon  is, 
no  doubt  can  poilibly  be  entertained  when  yre  con  Oder,  rh  tt 
this  is  the  very  pafTage  of  Scripture  to  whrch  Phil  p  the  Evan- 
geliil  was  providentially  directed,  as  a  text  tor  M  preaching 
Jefus,"  to  the  Ethiopian  Eunuch.  I  fhall  not  employ  any  part 
or  your  time  in  detailing  the  various  opinions  whn  h  ha  e  been 
entertained  refpetting  the  meaning  of  the  pillage  in  general, 
or  the  precife  import  ot  the  term  "  generation"  in  particular. 
The  queftion  apt  ears  (imply  to  be  a  bold  defiance  gii  en  to  al| 
created  wildom  to  investigate,  to  unfold  the  generation,  the  or- 
igin, the  elfence  of  that  wonderful  Perfon  c 
fuch  lingular  circumftances  and  event|  are  predicted  ;  it  a- 
mounts  to  a  ftrong  and  pofitive  affirmation  that  it  is  impoflible 
to  declare  Him  as  tie  is,  to  trace  his  exiiler-ce  through  the  fuc- 
*:e Hive  periods  ot  duration  up  to  us  commencement,  as  you 
may  dothat  of  a  mere  man  from  'he  moment  of  his  birth,  or 
through- a  ferie^  or  ancsftors.  What,  in  this  view  is  thj  ob- 
vious doctrine  of  the  text  ?  7  liat  the  generation  of  Him  who 
the  Spr.it  of  prophecy,  and  the  correfponding  hiftory  repre- 
sent as  an  innocent,  patient,  vicarious  fufferer,  extends  beyond 
the  fphere  ot  created  nature,  eludes  purfuit,  fpread  'ory 

pf  eternity  around  it,  and  conceals  it  from  mortal  eyes.  It  is 
worthy  of  remark,  that  the  genealogy  of  our  bleiTed  Lord's 
Jiumanity  is  more  clear,  «r:nd  diftinci,  sind  extended,  than  thai  of 
any  other  perfon.     Two  feveral  Evangel i ft i  have  i  it, 

purluingii,  through  two  different  but  parallel  chann  (H,  up  to 
Abraham,  and  from  him  up  to  the  common  Father  of  the  hti- 
man  race.  In  this  refpe;l,  therefore  "  the  Sp<r:'  frmfelfc 
helpeth  our  infirmity  ;"  and  he  who  by  the  mouth  of  Ifaiali 
feems  to  forbid  and  defy  all  inquiry,  by  the  pen  of  Matt'  ew 
and  Luke,  makes  a  clear  and  full  difcovery.  and  ena-  les  US  to 
trace  the  pedigree  of  Jefus  Chrilt,  like  that  of  an\'  o'her  man, 
It  is  the  peculiar  privilege  of  the.  facred  volume  to  unfold  the 
real  hiftory  of  human  nature,  of  the  globe,  of  the  univerfe,  to 
follow  nature  up  to  the  hour  of  her  birth,  to  declare  "  the 
generations  of  the  heavens  and  of  the  earth   when   they   were 

created  ; 


5«  history  or  fLe&l.  11. 

cheated  ;  in  the  flay  that  the  Lord  God  made  the  earth  and  the 
heavens  ;"  to  exhibit  the  fir  ft  man  Adam  in  the  plaftic  hands 
of  the  Creator  fpringirig  out  ot  the  dult  of  the  ground,  and, 
infpired  with  the  breath  ot  lite,  becoming  "  a  living  foul." 
The  fame  infpired  volume  reprefents  to  our  attention  one  per- 
fon,  and  one  event,  as  of  peculiar  importance  ;  as  pervading, 
influencing  and  affecting  the  whole  courfe  of  Nature  and  Prov- 
idence; as  contemporary  with  every  generation  ot  men;  as 
looked  unto,  and  longed  for  by  iu.ccefhve  ages.  In  order  that 
the  truth  of  God  might  be  fully  juftitied  and  have  its  complete 
effe£>,  the  relation,  in  which  this  illuftrious  perfon  flood  to  thofc 
who  had  received  the  promises  of  his  coining,  is  diftinhly  af- 
certained  and  m  nutely  defcribed  ,  fo  that  at  every  period  of 
the  world  we  can  fay,  lo  He  is  here,  and  lo  He  is  there.  But 
the  infpired  volume  like  wife  reprefents  him  as  before  all  and 
above  all.  If  therefore  this  book  be  a  Revelation  from  heaven, 
it  muft  contain  real  and  important  truth,  and  that  truth  clothed 
in  plain,  fimple  and  intelligible  lang -age  ;  we  muft  perceive, 
of  confequence,  in  the  "  man  ot  lorrows  and  acquainted  with 
grief,"  a  perfon  whole  generation  no  one  is  able  to  declare, 
who  is  "  before  all  and  i  y  whom  all  things  do  confift  :"  whom 
all  the  angels  of  God  are  commanded  to  worihip,  "  the  heir  of 
all  things,"  by  whom  the  worlds  were  made  and  are  upheld, 
whofe  "  throne  is  tor  ever  and  ever  ;"  in  one  word  Chnft  Je- 
fus, "  who  is  over  all,  God  blefled  for  ever." 

You  are  well  aware  that  the  doctrine,  which  we  wifh  to  ef- 
tablilh,  is  in  the  prefent  day  violently  oppofed  ;  and  while  it  is 
ma.ntained  in  this  place,  it  may  be  perhaps  in  the  next  ftreet 
the  fubj eft  of  profane  mirth,  or  of  fenous  argumentation  ■— 
Thinking  as  we  do,  we  will  rot  enter  the  lifts  ot  controveriy. 
We  will  not  employ  your  time,  nor  endeavour  to  enlift  your 
paflions,  by  running  down  one  name,  party  or  opinion  and 
exalting  another  ;  but  will  (imply  and  humbly,  though  at  the 
fame  time,  firmly  and  unrefervedly,  propofe  for  you*  inftruc- 
tion  and  improvement,  what  appears  to  be  the  meaning  and 
object  ot  Scripture  ;  and,  confidermg  the  divinity  of  our  Lord 
and  Saviour  Jefus  Chrifi  as  the  firft  leading  object  of  all  Rev- 
elation, we  will  uniformly  bring  it  forward  in  every  difcourfe. 
It  therefore  thefe  exercifes  are  at  all  frequented,  or  attended 
unto,  it  will  be  by  fuch  as  expect,  and  are  well  pleafed,  to  hear 
of  the  great  Mediator  between  God  and  man,  the  Man  Chrifi 
Jefus,  in  his  original,  everlafting,  unchanging  glory,  and 
in  his  humiliation,  as  the  fon  of  man,  to  the  form  of  a 
fervant,  to  the  death  of  the  crofs,  a  propitiation  for  fin.  To 
this,  we  truft,  not  unknown  God,  our  altar  is  ere&ed,  and  ded- 
icated, 


Left.  II.]  JESUS  C'HftlS?,  2j 

tcated,  and  on  it  we  would  again   prefent  our  whole  felves  a 

living  facrifice  unto  the  one  true  God,  and    "  our  Saviour  Je- 
fus  Chrift  ;  to  whom  be  glory  forever  and  ever." 

"  Who  (hall  declare  his  generation  ?''     Incapable  thou  arf 
O  man,  to  trace  hack  the  fhort  and  (lender  thread  of.    thy    own 
exiUence  and  defcent      Thou  mayerthave  iorae  faint  recollec- 
tion  of  weak  and  dependent  childhood  ;  of  a  lather's  early  care. 
and  of  a  mother's  tendernefs  ;  of  the  amufements,  the  compan- 
ions, the  folicitudes,  the  forrows  and  joys  of  thy  boyifli  days-, 
But  all  beyond  is  a  blank  ;   to  thee  creation   began  a  tew  years 
ago  ;  the  fecond  or  third,  at  mofr,  of  thy  own  immediate   pro- 
genitors, is  blended  with  the  men  who  lived  beyond  the  flood. 
We  are  ignorant  of  and  unknown  to  each  other.    How  much 
more  lo  are  the  men  of  diftant   nations  and  of   times  more  re* 
mote  ?  But  family  tradition,  national  record,  the  infpired  page 
can  fupply  the  want  of  perfonal  knowledge,  can  carry  us  1 
to  departed   forefathers,   and   bring  them   down   to  us.      But 
what  recollecliori,  what  tradition,    what  record,  can   carry    ua 
beyond  the  birth  o-f  nature, can  convey  us    to  a    (late  of   exitt- 
ence  previous  to  the  lapfe  of  time  ?  Now  the  per  Ion  of  whom 
the  prophet  fpeaks,  as  we  faw  in  the  preceding  LeBure   is  the 
Word    who  fpake  all  things  into   exigence,   who   built  the 
world,  who    fpread    the  flood,  wbo  fet   time   a    flowing,    who 
"  breathed  into  man's  noftrils  the  breath  of  life."     Who  then 
of  the  Tons  of  men,  which  of  the  angels  of  God    (hail   declare 
the  generation  of  Him  who  made  them    what   they    are,    who 
placed  tl>em  in  their  nations,  who   prescribed   to   them  bounds 
which  they  cannot  pais   ?    The    (lighten1  detail  of   nature,    O 
man,  preients  a  my  iter  y  which  thou  canft  not  folve,    a    world 
which  thou  canft  not  comprehend  unto  perfection.     That  feed 
caff  into  the  ground  cannot  be    "  quickened   excepj  it    di     . 
canft  thou  declare  the  generat  on  of  this  in  feci,  to  day  a  butter- 
fly, yefterday  a  moth,  the  third  day  a  mere  iifelefs  incruftation, 
and  prelumeft  thou  to  explain  the  great  my  fiery    of    godlin 
"  God  made  manifeft  in  thefleih  ;"  at  fo  many  difTeient  times, 
in  fuch  dirers  manners  made  known  unto  the  Fathers    by    the 
prophets  ;  and  in  thci'e  1  jft  days  unveiled  to  us  in  the  perfoi 
the  Son,  the   brightnefs  of   his   Father's  glory  and  the  expi 
image  or  his  perfon  ?  We  repeat  the  queftion,    un  lerftan 
thou,  and  art  thou  able  ta  unfold,  the  union  that   exifts  in 
own   frame,   between  the   clay    ta  ernacle   ahd   the   immo 
mind  ;  earth  and  heaven  blended  in  thme  own  perfon  ?    . 
(hall  "  it  be  thought  a  thing  incredible,"  that    He   who,  in 
uninterrupted  courfe  of  his  providence,   pro< 

wi: 


^3  HISTORY    C?  [Left.  11, 

which  every  one  is  ccnfcious  of  exifting,  though  no  one  is 
capable  of  explaining,  fhould  form  other  combinations,  unite 
other  natures,  to  declare  his  power  and  manifeft  bis  glory  ? 
Wherefore  fhould  "  it  be  thought  a  thing  incredible,3' that  He 
who  unites  himfelf  to  every  one  of  us,  through  the  medium  of 
reafon  and  confcience,  for  carrying  on  the  plan  of  nature, 
ihould  have  united  humanity  to  himlelr  in  the  perfon  of  the 
Redeemer,  in  a  manner  Kill  more  incomprehenfible.  tor  Der- 
ieclmg  the  plan  of  redemption  ?  Shall  I  reject  as  untrue  or  ab- 
furd  whatever  I  do  not  clearly  underftand  or  am  unable  per- 
fectly to  explain  ?  The  confcioufnefs  which  I  have  of  my 
own  being  muft  be  renounced  then  among  the  fir  ft,  and  every 
thing  within  and  around  us  muft  be  reduced  to  darknefs,  doubt 
and  uncertainty. 

Blefled  Jefus,  w£  cannot  declare  thy  generation,  and  would 
hot  be  wife  above  what  is  written,  but  we  adore  in  filent  won- 
der, we  rejoice  that  'k  the  Word  was  made  fleth  and  dwelt  a-' 
inong  us,5'  and  that  men  "  beheld  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the 
Only  begotten  of  the  Father,  full  of  grace  and  truth."  We  re- 
joice that  what  we  know  not  now  we  fliali  know  hereafter.  Suf- 
fice it  now  that  "  we  fee  Jefus  who  was  made  a  little  lower  than 
the  angels,  for  the  fuffeiing  of  death  crowned  with  glory  and 
hdnour,  that  he  by  the  grace  of  God  mould  tafte  death  for  eve- 
ry man  :"  that**'  it  became  him,  for  whom  are  all  things  and  by 
whom  arraii  things  in  bringing  manyfons  unto  glory,  to  make  the 
Captain  of  their  frlvation  perfect,  through  fufferings."  We  can 
form  no  conception  of  a  flare  pre-exiftent  to  this  frame  of  na- 
ture,for  imagination  itfelf  muft  draw  its  ideas  from  reality  ;  and 
to  give  fcope  to  a  faculty  fo  fantaftical,  in  treating  a  fubject  of 
fuch  high  moment,  were  prefumptUous  and  profane.  Let  us  reply 
then  to  the  prophet's  challenge,  with  the  modefly  and  humili- 
ty becoming  creatures  fo  ignorant,  fo  limited,  and  fo  imperfect. 
We  prefume  not  to  explore  the  records  of  eternity,  to  pry  in- 
to the  counfels  of  peace,  to  meafure  the  infinite  Jehovah,  his 
nature,  his  decrees,  his  operations,  by  the  contracted  line  o£ 
our  finite  underftancling  ;  but.  taking  Scripture  for  our  in- 
ftru&or  and  guide,  we  will  with  reverence  and  joy  contem- 
plate the  maniteftation  of  the  Son  of  God  in  the  likenefs  of 
man,  the  myflcry  of  the  incarnation,  his  generation  as  owe  of 
Our  brethren.  In  the  next  Leclure  therefore,  if  God  permit,  we 
will  endeavour  to  lead  your  attention  to  fome  of  the  remarka- 
ble circumftances  which  immediately  preceded  the  birth  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jefus  Chrifl,  and  which  give  celebrity 
and  notoriety  to  that  illuftrious  event,  and  mark  the   interefl 

which 


Left,  tr.j  jesus  c  jurist,  frg 

Which  eternal  Providence  took  in  it,  and  the  importance  there- 
by ftamped  upon  it  to  every  ferious  and  reflecting  mind. 

We  conclude  at  prefent,  with  fuggefting,  from  what  ha.-. 
been  faid,  and  from  every  view  which  is  given  us  in  Scripture 
"of  the  perfon  of  the  Saviour,  that  there  is  fpread  around  it  at 
once  an  effulgence  that  dazzles  and  repels,  and  a  mildnefs  and 
fimplicity  which  compofes  and  attracts.  Is  he  fpoken  of  as  a 
Man,  we  are  fent  to  Bethlehem  to  behold  a  babe  wrapped  in 
fwaddling  clothes  to  Nazareth  to  converfe  with  the  carpen- 
ter's fon,  to  Cana  of  Galilee  tojoin  with  him  in  the  innocent 
feftivity  or  a  marriage  folemnity,  to  Bethany  to  witnefs  the 
endearments  ot  private  friendship,  to  Gethfemanc  to  fympai 
thize  with  the  agonizing  mourner,  to  fcenes  fuch  as  daily  oc- 
cur in  human  life  ;  but  we  are  never  left  long  to  confider  a 
mere  man  in  Situations  and  employments  like  our, own,  a  man 
of  like  paffions  with  ourfelves  ;  the  glory  ot  the  Lord  arifes, 
the  Son  of  God  ftands  confefled,  a  generation  not  to  be  de- 
clared^ power  that  nothing  can  refill,  at  which  devils  trem- 
ble, \Sfiich  winds  and  fea<  obey,  to  which  death  and  the  grave 
are  fubfervient.  He  fpeaks  as  never  man  fpake,  legions  of 
angels  are  continually  on  the  wing  to  minifler  unto  him.— 
Prophecy  and  hiilory  reprefent  him  in  the  fell  fame  lights,  in 
alternate  humiliation  and  majefty,  obfeurity  and  fplendour. 
What  a  contrail  does  the  defcripnon  of  our  prophet  prefent  ? 
11  For  unto  us  a  child  is  born,  unto  us  a  fon  is  given,  and  the 
government  (hall  be  upon  his  moulder  ;  and  his  name  fhall  be 
called  Wonderful,  Counfellor,  The  mighty  God,  The  erer- 
lafting  Father,  The  Prince  of  Peace.  Of  the  increafe  of  hit 
government  and  peace  there Jhall  be  no  end,  upon  the  throne 
of  David,  and  upon  his  kingdom,  to  order  it,  and  to  cftab'ifh 
it  with  judgment  ?nd  with  Juftice,  from  henceforth  even 
ever.  The  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  holts  will  perform  this."  Th<S 
progrefs  of  his  hiftory,  in  every  particular  (rage  of  it,  will 
elucidate  the  farrie  observation,  and  therefore  it  fliall  not  r.o ■«■• 
be  farther  profecuted. 

Again,  this    fubjecl   feeitts    much    calculated   to  correct  th< 
prejudices  which  prevail  among  men  in  the  matter  of  pedigree 
There  is  in  reality  no  fuch  thing  as  mean  and    high   birth  :    or 
if  there  be  a  diflinction,  to  he  born    perfect  in  every  limb  and 
feature,  with  a  found  and  vigoious  conllitut'on,    with    a   mind 
complete    in   all    its    faculties,   this    is  'o   he  nobly  born  ; 
on  the  contrary,  to  come  into  the  world    difeafed    and   del 
tated,  with  a  conftitution    undermined   and    deftroyed   by 
vice  of  parent?,  is  to  hare  the  di  fad  vantage  of  bciri 

born  ; 


H-I STORY   Qf  [Lea .   1 E, 


born  ;  a  diftinclion  which,  if  founded  in  redon,  truth,  and 
fuUic-,  leaves  the  great,  in  general,  little  to  glory  in,  and  the 
poor  linle  at  which  to  repine.  Have  we  not  all  one  father  ? 
What  genealogy  is  pure  from  every  flam  ot  infirmity,  foU 
ly  or  vice  ?  I*  it  any  diminution  oi  our  Saviour's  digni- 
ty, any  impeachment  of  his  perfect  purity,  or  any  imputa- 
tion on  his  great  public  character,  that  in  the  roll  of  his 
anceftry  after  'he  flefh,  we  find  the  name  of  Rahab  the 
hat  lor,  and  of  her  who  had  been  the  wife  ol  Uriah,  and  that  he 
was  brought  up  under  the  roof  perhaps  to  the  occupation,  of 
an  obicure  caff  (man  ?' Virtue  and  vice  are  perfbnal  not  he- 
reditary and  nothing  but  vice  's  a  juft  ground  of  (hame.  Shall 
I  call  myHf  a  difcipie  of  jefus  then,  and  think  it  a  reproach 
to  be  called  a  carpenter's  fon,  defpifed  becaufe  I  am  a  Gali- 
lean lightly  effeemed  becaufe  my  parents  were  poor  and  ig- 
noble, becaufe  a  paltry  monofyllable  introduces  not  my  name  r 
Real  worth  ennobles  it  felt"  independent  of  the  breath  of  Kings, 
it  draws  onfeure  progenitors  into  light,  and  leaves  a  fair  and" 
honorable  inheritance  to  pofterb.y — in  2  bright  example,  and  3 
refpecfable  name. 

Once  more,  whatever  may  be  our  pretentions,  or  our  want  oP 
pretenbon  as  citizens  of  this  woild,  we  have  all  equal  right 
and  encouragement  to  afpire  after  the  title  and  the  fpirit,  and 
the  privileges  of  the  fons  of  God.  He  whofe  generation  can- 
not be  declared,  is  not  afhamed  to  call  the  humbleft  of  you* 
fcrethren.  The  en<i  of  his  coming  into  the  world,  of  his  humb- 
ling himfelfto  death,  of  (bedding  his  blood,  was  to  make  you 
"  kings  and  priefts  unto- God  and  his  Father."  What  he  is  by 
eternal  generation,  that  he  is  making  you  by  redemption,  by 
ihe  i  pirit  of  adoption,  by  the  hope  of  Glory  to  be  revealed.  Sup-, 
port  the  honour  of  younheavenly  Father's  name,  prove  your 
relation, .preferve  unclouded  your  profpe&s.  You  are  now 
in  a  ftate  of  depreffion,  *'"  in  heavinefs  through  manifold  tempt- 
ations,'' your  title  lies  dormant, your  pofleffion  is  at  a  difrafl.ee,, 

but ''  your  Jife  is  hid  with  Chrift  in  God,  and  when  he  fhall 
appear,  you  (hall  appear  with  him  in  glory.  Beloved,  now  are 
we  the  fons  of  God,  ami  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what  we  (hall 
be  but  when  He  'ball  appear  we  (hall  be  like  him,  for  we  lhali 
fee  him  as  he  is."  **  Fear  not,"  then,  "  little  flock,  for  it  is 
your  Father's  good  pleafure  to  give  you  the  kingdom."  "  Ye 
are  a  »  hofen  generation,  a  royal  priefthood,  an   holy    nation,   a 

pe-uliar  people  ;  that  ye  fhould  (hew  forth  the  praifes  of  him 
who  hath  called  you  out  oi  darknefs  into  his  marvellous  light. * 

LECTURE 


■       3&.  ill.  JESUSCHRIST* 


LECTURE     III 


IIAGGAI,    II.    6  —  9. 

thus  faith  the  bard  0/  hofls.  Yet  omc%  ii  is  a  Utile  mckilt* 
and  I  will  fiiake  the  heartens,  and  the  earth,  and  thefea,  and 
the  dry  land  ;  and  I  will  fh>ike  all  n&tiom,  and  the  defire  rf 

a't  nations JJiall  com,-  :  And  I  will  fill  this  houjt  with  glor% 

faith  the  Lord  ofhojh.      The  fiver  is  mine,   and  the  g  old  is 

mine,  faith  the  Lord  of  heft*.     The  glory  of  this   latter  houfe 

Jliali  be  prater  than  of  the  format  faith  t  lit   Lord  of  ho /Is  ; 

And  m  this  plaa  will  I g<ve  peace,  faith  the  Lord  of  hojls. 

THE  great  Lord    of  Nurture   demonstrates  his  exiflcnce  and 
divine   perte6tkm,   in  the   original   foi  mation,  and  in  the 

conftant  piefervation  ot  ail  things.  "  He  fpake  and  it  was 
done,  he  commanded  and  it  ftood  fait."  He  uphddeth  all  "  by 
the  word  ot  his  power."  The  continual  (up  port  ot  the  uni- 
▼erfe  has  accoidingly,  with  th«  utrooft  propriety,  been  repre- 
refemed  as  creation  ev«ry  inftant  repeated.  In  a  fyftem  which 
is  all  lile  and  motion,  power  almighty,  and  attention  unimermit- 
ting,  mu ft  ever  be  exerted  to  maintain  lite  to  cany  on  motion, 
to  prefcrve  harmony.  Every  being-is  fubjecled  to  the  peculiar 
law  of  its  own  nature ;  ;>nd  the  great  whole  is  governed  by  gen- 
era, laws.  Unity,  iimpltcity,  multitude  variety,  ftrike  the  eye 
of  every  attentive  beholder  ;  every  individual  prefents  a  little 
world  apart,  and  the  vaft  combination  of  individuals  form  but 
one  world,  animated  by  one  vital  principle. 

But  Jehovah  makes  him  felt  known  to  his  intelligent  crea- 
tures not  only  in  the  {bred  order  and  harmony  ot  his  works, 
bnt  in  the  occafional  and  temporary  interruption  ot  that  ord-r, 
and  in  deviation  from  that  harmony.  The  powers  ot  earth 
and  heaven  are  ihaken  J  the  fun  is  turned  into  darknefs  and 
the  liars  withdraw  their  light;  the  barrier  whLh  re  ft  rained 
the  ocean  is  removed,  the  windows  or  heaven  are  opened,  and 
the  earth  is  overflowed.  The  ram  that  tails  on  £>od«»m  be- 
comes a  fiery  "lid"  ;  the  fiame  ot  fcebuchadncazarTs  fiery  fur- 
nace is  rendered  harinlclsair  ;  the  hungry  lion  licks  the  proph- 
et's feet-  The  glar  ng  excentric  comet,  the  wandering,  plan- 
et, and  the  fixed  ftar,  all,  all  refer    us  to  one   original,  to   one 

evinz,  retraining,  directing,  fupporting  caufe.  , 


g&  HISTORY~GF  [Left.    IIL 

Neither,  however,  the  regular  obfcrvance,  nor  the  occa- 
sional fufpenfion  ot  the  laws  of  nature  are  mere  wanton  dis- 
plays of  power.,  to.  amufe  the  curious,  to  alarm  the  fearful,  or 
to  confound  the  proud.  Every  word  that  proceeded)  out  of  the 
mouth  ot  God.  and  every  a6l  of  omnipotence  have  an  impor- 
tant meaning  and  defi,gn.  The  end  at  which  the  Ruler  of  the, 
world  {fill  aims,  is  the  manifeltation  of  his  own  glory  in  pro- 
moting the  wildom  and  happinefs  of  his  creatures. 

The  Prophet,  in  the  pafTage  of  the  facred  volume  which 
lias  now  been  read,  is  evidently  referring  to  fome  fignal  dif- 
playofthe  divine  glory.  We  behold  univerfal  commotion 
raifed  and  fettled  by  the  fame  power  ;  heaven  and  earth,  the 
fea  and  the  dry  land,  and  all  the  kindreds  of  the  nations  fhaken 
together.  Univerfal  attention  is  excited,  univerial  expecta- 
tion is  raifed,  and  that  expe61ation  is  completely  gratified,  by 
the  appearance  of"  the  defire  of  all  nations ;"  by  the  reitera- 
tion of  peace  to  a  troubled  world;  by  a  luftre  beffowed  on 
the  fecond  temple  which  mould  eclipie  the  glory  ot  the  firft. 
Now  the  expreflion,  "  the  glory  of  this  latter  houfe  lhall  be. 
greater  than  the  former,  faith  the  Lord  of  hefts,"  enables  us 
to  fix  the  period,  and  to  dikoverthe  pcrfon  here  defcribed. 
Haggai  lived  and  prophefied  after  the Babylonifh  captivity,  and 
the  immediate  object  of  his  prophecy  was  to  urge  his  reftored 
countrymen  to  inctuftry  and  perfeverance,  in  the  work  ot  re- 
building the  temple  of  the  Lord.  And  as  the  rnoft  powerful 
and  encouraging  of  all  motives,  he  is  cornmifhoned  to  affure 
them,  that  the  period  tail  aproacned  when  the  fabric  which 
they  were  then  rearing  mould  be  invefted  with  much 
greater  honor,  than  that  of  Solomon  and  all  his  glory  ever 
poileffed.  But  if  this  were  meant  ot  temporal  fplendor  mere- 
ly, the  fatt  contradicts  it  ;  for  from  Ezra  we  learn,  that,  in 
this  refpett,  the  former  temple  was  far  luperior  to  the  latter  ; 
"  many  of  the  priefts  and  le.vites,  and  chief  of  the  fathers  who 
were  ancient  men  that  had  feen  the  firft.  houfe,  when  the 
foundation  of  this  houfe  was  laid  before  their  eyes,  wept  with 
a  loud  voice  ;"  fo  mortifying  was  the  companfon.  Our 
Prophet  himfelf  holds  the  fame  language,  ch.  ii.  3.  '*  Who  is 
left  among  you  that  faw  this  houfe  in  her  firft  glory  ?  and  how 
do  you  fee  ir  now  ?  is  it  not  in  your  eyes  in  comparifon  of  it 
as  nothing  ?"  We  mult  look  therefore  for  a  different  kind  of 
glory,  to  explain  and  confirm  the  prediclion  ;  and  it  is  im- 
pofhble  to  be  at  a  lofs  about  an  interpretation,  when  we  confid- 
er  wherein  the  real  glory   of  the  fecond  temple  confiftecL 


Left.   III.]  JESUS    CHRIST.  *fc 

Wot  in  being  filled,  and  overlaid  with  filver  and  gold,  for 
thefe  are  fpoken  of  as  comparatively  vile  and  contemptible! 
'.'  The  filver  is  mine,  and  the  gold  is  mine,  faith  the  Lord  of 
hofts,"  a  claim  exactly  in  the  fame  fpirit  with  that  made  in  the- 
fiftieth  Pfalm.  k*  Hear,  O  my  people,  and  I  will  ipeak  :  O 
Ifrael,  and  I  will  teftity  againft  thee :  I  am  God,  even  thy 
God.  1  will  not  reprove  thee  for  thy  facnfices,  or  thy  burnt- 
offerings,  to  have  been  continually  before  me.  I  will  take  no 
bullock  out  of  thy  houfe,  nor  he-goats  out  of  thy  folds  :  for 
every  beafl  of  the  forefl  is  mine,  and  the  catile  upon  a  thouf- 
and  hills.  I  know  all  the  fowls  of  the  mountains  ;  and  the 
wild  beafls  of  the  field  are  mine.  If  I  were  hungry,  I  would 
not  tell  thee  ;  for  the  world  is  mine,  and  the  iulncfs  thereof. 
Will  I  eat  thcflefh  of  bulls,  or  drink  the  blood  of  goats  ?  Of- 
fer unto  God  thankfgiving  ;  and  pay  thy  vows  unto  the  moil 
High."  "  Lebanon  is  not  fufficient  to  burn,  nor  the  beafls 
thereof  fufficient  for  a  burnt-offering."  But  when  M  facrifice 
and  offering  thou  didlf  not  defire,  when  burnt-offering  and  fin- 
offering  were  not  required,  then  fai  i  I,  Lo,  I  come,  I  delight 
to  do  thy  will,  O  rny  God."  This^  Chriftians,  like  the  ftar 
which  condu6*ed  the  wife  men  of  the  Eaft,  leads  us  directly 
to  the  Saviour  of  the  world.  Would  you  behold  the  fupenor 
gloryof  the  latter  temple,  look  to  Simeon  vifiting  it,  looking 
and  longing  for  the  confolation  of  Ifrael  ;  behold  him  with 
the  babe  in  his  arms,  exulting  with  joy  unfpeakable  and  full  of 
glory,  in  having  feen  thefakation  of  Go.d.  Look  to  jefus  at 
the  age  of  twelve  yeais  "  fitting  in  the  temple  in  the  rmdft  of 
the  doclors,  both  hearing  them  and  anting  them  queiiions," 
difplaying  at  that  tender  age,  a  wifdom  and  dignity  far  fuperi- 
or  to  that  of  Solomon  in  his  zenith.  Look  to  that  fame  Jelus, 
in  his  zeal  for  the  honor  of  the  facred  edifice,  purging  it  of 
thofe  impurities  which  a  worldly  fpirit  had  introduced  into  it. 
Liften  to  the  divine  eloquence  which  there  flowed  from  the 
Jips  of  him  who  fpake  as  never  man  fpake.  Hear  him  predic- 
ting its  deft ruftion,  and  eflablilliing  the  truth  ot  his  own  mif- 
lion  in  denouncing  againft  it,  and  devoting  it  to,  total  and  ir- 
recoverable ruin.  Behold  Him  on  thofe  ruins,  rearing  an  ev- 
erlasting and  a  fpiritual  building,  on  a  rock  again!!,  which  the 
gates  of  hell  fhall  never  prevail;  and  in  all  this,  behold  as  in 
a  glafsthe  glory  here  fpoken  of.  the  advent  of  "  the_iiefire  ot 
ail  nations,"  the  "  ifar  ot  Jacob"  arifen,  Shiiok  come,  to  whom 
the  gathering  of  the  nations  mall  be,  "  the  Prince  ot  Peace," 
by  whom  peace  is  proclaimed,  and  through  whom  peace  u 
given  to  "  him  that  is  afar  off  and  him  that  is  nigh." 

In 


,.-.  HISTORY    €>F  [Le£L  III. 

In  order  till  farther  to  juftily  the  application  oi  this  prophe* 
cy  to  theperfon  and  character  oi  the  Redeemer,  we  may  in- 
</aire  into  the  import  oi  the  other  exprefhons  here  employed, 
to  defcribe  the  appearances  oi  nature  and  providence,  which 
fignalized  the  era  of  his  manifedation  in  the  flefh.  "  Yet  once, 
jit  is  a  little  while  "  The  reign  of  prophecy  was  haftening  to 
a  Condlufion.  Hriggat  was  one  of  the  laft  on  whom  that  fpirit 
reded  ;  with  Malachi,  who  lived  probably  (brae what  later,  it 
entirely  ceafed ;  and  a  dark  period  oi  five  hundred  years  with- 
out a  vifioft,  intervened,  till  it  was  revived  in  one  who  came 
in  the  fpirit  and  power  of  Elias,  the  forerunner  of  the  Me  Mian, 
•!  the  voice  crying  in  the  wildernefs,  Prepare  ye  the  way  of 
the  Lord;  make  ftraight  in  the  defert  a  highway  for  our  God,'* 
Ifaiah  xl.  3.  and  it  (hone  in  all  its  ludre  in  the  Median  him- 
feii,  "  the  great  prophet  that  mould  come  into  the  world." 
By  him  k  is  here  intimated  that  God  mould  fpeak  "  once'* 
for  all ;  that  he  mould  be  the  iull  and  final  declarer  oi  the  will 
of  God  to  mankind  ;  "  yet  once"  but  no  more 

"  It  is  a  little  while."  With  God  what  is  purpofed,  is  be- 
gun to  be  executed,  his  agents  are  already  at  work  time  is  loft 
with  him  who  fees  the  end  from  the  beginning.  **  The  Lord  is  not 
flack  concerning  his  promife,  as  fome  men  count  flacknefs;"  "be- 
loved, be  not  ignorant  oi  this  one  thing,  dhat  one  day  is  with  the 
Lord,  as  a  thouland  years,  and  a  thoufand  years  as  one  day.'* 
The  interval  between  the  prediction  and  the  accomplifhment, 
though  a  period  of  five  centuries,  is,  in  the  fight  of  God,  "  a 
little  while ;"  and  five  centuries,  when  they  are  pad,  are  but  "  a 
little  while"  in  the  eyes  of  man  alfo.  But  to  what  circum- 
ftances  attending  the  coming  of  our  Saviour  refers  the  Proph- 
et, when  he  reprefents  the  great  God  as  "  making  the 
heavens  and  the  earth,  and  the  fea,  and  the  dry  land,  and  all 
nations  ?"  It  is  well  known  that  the  facred  writers  frequently 
employ,  by  a  bold  figure,  the  appearances  of  the  natural  world 
to  repreient  and  explain  moral  objefts.  In  the  cafe  before  us, 
it  will  be  found  that  both  the  literal  and  figurative  fenfe  of  the 
words  are  driclly  applicable  to  the  iubjeft.  Every  one,  who 
is  at  all  acquainted  with  the  hiftory  of  mankind,  knows  that 
tr\Q  whole  courfe  oi  things  has  been  a  condant  and  fuccedive 
concudion  and  convulfion,  a  making  of  the  nations,  druggie 
for  dominion,  the  progrefs  oi  empire  from  eaft  to  wed;  and 
an  afpectof  the  heavenly  bodies  and  influence,  analogous  to 
the  date  of  the  moral  world.  The  obferver  of  nature  endeav- 
ours to  trace  all  thefc  up  to  their  native  caufes  in  the    great 

fyftero. 


Left.  HI.]  JESUS  CHRIST. 

fyftemof  the  efniverfe  ;  the  moralift  looks  for  them,  in  the 
nature  and  conftitution  of  man,  and  the  politician,  in  the 
conciliations  and  exertions  of  paflion  and  intereft.  The  Be 
liever,  the  Chnftian  refers  all  to  God,  fees  him  in  the  .cloud, 
m  the  fky  ;  hears  him  in  the  wind,  in  the  thunder,  in  the 
fongfter  ot  the  grove  ;  and  he  fees  the  fwelling  tide  of  nature 
and  providence  labouring  with  one  objec.1  ot  peculiar  impor- 
tance ;  all  things  are  fhaken  and  compofed  in  fubordinatioa 
to  the  preparation  or  the  gofpel  of  peace. 

Let  me  comprefs  what  I  mean  to* fay  within  a  narrow   com- 
pafs  ;    and    I  (hall    do    it    nearly   in   the  words  of  an  elegant 
preacher   whom  I   have  oftener  than   once   had  the  honour  to 
quote  in  this  place.     The  eaftern  part  of  the  world  was,  in  the 
wifdom  ot  Providence,  firii  peopled,  great  and   extenfive   em- 
pires were  fit :  ft  formed  there,  and  there  learning    and    the   aits 
were  fir  it  brought  to  perfe6tion.     But  while   fcience   and  em- 
pire flourifhed  in  the  eaft,  a   power    was  rifing  by  degrees    in 
the  weftern  world,  which  was  one  d3V  to  furpafs   all    that   had 
gone  before  it.     Unknown  to  the  proud  empires    ot    the   eaft- 
ern  hemifpherc,   which  vainly    flattered   themlelves   that  they 
divided  the  world  among  ft  them,  this  power  was  then   filently 
advancing  from  conqueft  to  conqueit,  and  the   Roman   eagle 
was  by  degrees  ftrcngthening  her  wing,  and  preparing  to  take 
her  flight  round  half  the  globe.     The  fuccefiion  of  thofe  great 
monarchies,  thofe  makings  of  the  heavens  and  the   earth,    t&s 
ihakingof  all   nations,  led  gradually  and  imperceptibly  to  that 
happy  conjuncture,  that  tuhiefs  of  time,  that   matuihy   of  di- 
vine counfel   which    Suited  the   introduction   of   Chriiltanity. 
They  arofe  one  after  another,  they  enlarged  one  upon  another, 
till  at   length   the  genius  of  Rome,    under   the    peimiflton  of 
heaven,  triumphed  over  and  (wallowed  up  all  others,    and   ex- 
panded,   opened,    united,   confolidated,    that   w i de-ex ten 
well-informed,  civilized  empire,   through  which  the  gofpel  of 
Chnit  was  deflincd  to  make  a  progrefs  fo  rapid  and  fo  fuccefs- 
ful.     To  favour  this  great  event,  to  procure    attention    to  the 
Author  and  finifher  ot  our  faith,  and  to  render  the  lit  It  app 
ance  of  our  holy  teligion  at  once-  more   aug'.ift   and    more    fe- 
cure,  the  druggies  of  ambition  which  had  fo    long    Biaken 
world,  thofe  reftlefs  contefts  for   fuperiority,    iubhded    at 
Suddenly  and  unexpectedly,  into  univerfal  peace.  That  ftofm? 
ocean,  which  had    been  for   ages  and  generations  in  contii 
agitation,  now  all  at   once  funk   into  a    furpriling   calm  -r  ttoe 
bloody  portal  of  Janu«,  which  had  [o  1c  : 
delirucfion  to  mankind,  was  fhut,  and  the  glebe  ww 

eve/fpreal- 


4o  HiSTOiiY  Of  [Left,  in 

overfpread  with  tranquillity,  relieved  from  the  din  of  arms, 
from  the  confufed  noife  ot  the  warrior,  and  the  horrid  fight 
of  garments  rolled  in  blood,  in  order  to  receive  the  Prince  of 
Peace. 

The  making  of  the  nations,  as  paving  the  way  for  the  define 
of -all  nations,  is  finking  to  the  contemplative  mind  in  another 
point  of  view.     Philofophy  rode  triumphant,  every   queftiort 
relating  to  phyfics,  morals,  politics  fcience,  religion,  Was  free- 
ly canvafled  ;  and  the  noife  of  the  fchools  in  many    inflances 
drowned  that  of  the  enfanguined  plain.     The  introduction  of 
Chriftianity  was  preceded  by  a  remarkable  diffusion  of  knowl- 
edge, and  the  radiance  of  fcience  ufhered  in  the  gofpel  day,  as 
Aurora  announces    the  approach  of  the  fun,  and  prepares  the- 
world  for  it.     Egypt,  Perlia,  Greece,  and  Rome,  poured  from 
their  feparate  urns,  thofe  diftintl   rills  of  fcience,  which  meet- 
ing in  one  great  channel,  became  a  mighty  flood,  and  overfpread 
the  vaft  Roman  empire.     And  thus  was  Revelation  enabled  to 
give  a  molt  illuftrious  proof  of  its   coming   down   from  above, 
by  diffufing  over  the  world,  all  at  once,  a  light  fuperior  to  aft 
collected  human  wifdom  in  itsbrighteft  glory.     And  need   we 
afk  who  it  was  thai  thus  fhook  and  fettled  the  fea  and   the    dry 
land,  who  regulated  the  vaft  engine,  who  conducted   all  thefe 
great  events,  and  brought  them  to  one   iflue,   concurrence  and 
conclusion?  At  the  fame  period  of  time,  the  proinifed  Mefliah 
carne  :  the  greateft  empire  that  ever  exifted  was  at  the  height 
ot  its  glory  :  learning  flourilhed  beyond  what  it   had   done    in 
any  former  age  :  and   the  world   was  blefled   with   univerfal 
peace.     A  coincidence  of  fatfo,  every  one  of  which  is  in   itfelf 
fo  extraordinary    that   it    cannot   be  paralleled  by    any    othef 
times  clearly  points  out  the  hand  of  that  fupreme,  over-ruling 
power,  who   from  eternity  beheld  the  great  plan  bf  his  provi- 
dence through  its  whole  extent,  who  alone  M  can  declare  the  end 
from  the  beginning,  and  from  ancient  times'  the   things    which 
are  not  yet  done,"  faying,  "  My  counfel  mall  Hand,  and  I  will 
do  all  my  pleafure  " 

To  put  this  beyond  all  doubt,  let  it  be  obferved,  that  thefe 
events  took  their  rife  in  remoter!  ages,  and  were  prepared  in 
times  and  countries  far  diftant  from  and  unknown  to  each  oth- 
er. Empire  which  fprang  uparnidft  the  (even  hills  of  Rome  ; 
Science  nurft  in  the  academic  groves  of  Greece  ;  and  religion 
from  the  obfeure  vales  ot  Judea,  all  met  at  one  grand  crifis. 
To  one  another  unknown,  they  muft  have  been  conduced  by 
the  hand  of  Providence.  But  meet  they  did,  and  peace  from 
heaven   crowned  them   with   her  olive.      And  thus  were  the 

nation  % 


Left.    III.]  JESUS   CHRIST.  *i 

nations  fhaken,  to  prepare  the  way  of  the  Lord  ;  thus  "  the 
Valleys  were  exalted,  and  the  mountains  and  hills  laid  low, 
the  crooked  made  ftraight,  and  the  rough  places  plain,"  and 
the  high  and  afpiring  thoughts  or  men  were  brought  into  cap- 
tivity to  the  obedience  or  Chnft. 

But  the  heavens  and  the  earth  were  literally  fh a  ken,  at  the 
coming  of  M  the  defire  of  all  nations."  Witnefs  that  new  cre- 
ated (tar  which  conducted  the  eaftern  Magi  to  the  place  where 
the  Saviour  was  born  ;  witnefs  thedefcent  of  Gabriel  and  a 
multitude  or  the  heavenly  hofl,  to  anno  jnce  his  arrival ;  and  wit- 
nefs the  other  appearances  of  celefhal  fpirits  to  miniftVr  to  the 
Lord  or  Glory  in  his  temptation  and  agony,  at*  his  refurreclion 
and  afcenfion  into  heaven  ;  witnefs  the  defcent  of  Mofcs  and 
Elias  to  the  mount  of  transfiguration  ;  witnefs  too  the  eclipfe 
of  the  fun  beyond  the  com fe  of  nature,  which  marked  the  hour 
of  his  death,  the  quaking  of  the  earth,  the  reading  of  the  rocks, 
the  riling  of  the  dead  :  witnefs  the  voice  from  heaven  which, 
like  thunder,  oftener  than  once,  Oiook  the  echoing  air,  while 
God  himfelf  declared  his  well  beloved  Son,  and  demanded 
attention  for  him.  All  thefe  confirm  the  teftimony  of  the 
Prophet,  they  point  it  tothe  Lord  Jefus,  and  infpire  joy  un- 
speakable and  full  of  glory,  on  difcovering  the  perteel  coinci- 
dence between  prediction  and  event.  To  this  aulpicious,  this 
all  important  era  we  are  now  brought ;  and  the  next  Leclure, 
with  the  divine  permiilion,  will  detail  the  remarkable  circum- 
ftances  which  immediately  preceded,  or  which  accompanied 
the  birth  of  Chnft. 

And  was  all  this  mighty  preparation  made  to  introduce  a 
mere  man  of  like  paiTions  with  ourfelves  ?  Were  the  heavens 
from  above  and  the  earth  beneath  ftirred  to  meet  him  at  his 
coming  ?  Did  flaming  miniifers  defcend  fingly  and  in  bands, 
did  departed  prophets  revifit  the  earth,  and  the  dead  bodies  of 
faints  arifeto  do  homage  to  a  creature,  their  equal,  their  fel- 
low ?  It  is  not  to  be  believed.  But  finely  this  is  the  Son  ot 
God  ;  and  to  receive  him,  coming  for  our  falvation,  what  fo- 
lemnity  ot  preparation  was  too  great  ^  hat  homage  of  angels 
and  men  too  fubrniflive,  what  teftimony  of  created  Nature  too 
ample  ?  "  Hofanna  to  the  fon  ot  David,  bleiled  is  he  who 
cometh  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  Hofanna  in  the  higheft." 

Is  his  name  and  defcription  "the  defire  of  all  nations?" 
how  fniy  applied  !  Is  light  defirable  to  the  henigh'cd,  bewil- 
dered traveller  in  a  land  ot  fnares  and  of  the  fhadow  of  death  ? 
Is  pardon  defirable  to  a  wretch  condemned?  Is  the  coo  i  ig 
dream  defirable  to  the  parched  pilgrim,  and  bread  :o  the    him 

f 


42  HISTORY    ©F  f*Le£l.    III. 

gry  perifhing  wretch  ?  Is  the  friendly  haven  defirable  to  the 
.tempeft-toffed  mariner,  and  liberty  to  the  languishing  captive  ? 
What  then  to  an  ignorant,  guilty,  periming  world  mull  that 
Wonderful  man  be  whom  Providence  has  railed  up  to  be  "  a 
hiding  place  from  trie  wind,  and  a  covert  from  the  tempeft  ; 
«s  rivers  of  water  in  a  dry  place  ;  as  the  (hadowof  a  great  rock 
in  a  weary  land." 

But  what  if  when  he  (hall  appear,  defirable  as  he  is,  a  blind 
world  fhall  fee"  no  form  orcomelinefs  in  him,  no  beauty  why 
lie  fliould  be  defired  ?"  Afflicting  thought  !  'He  was  defpif- 
cd  jnd  rejected  of  men  ?"  "  He  came  to  his  own  and  his  own 
received  him  not."  They  *  denied  the  holy  one,  and  the  jufl, 
and  defired  a  murderer  to  be  granted  unto  them"  The  cry 
was"  away  with  him,  crucify  him  ;"  his  "  blood  be  upon 
us  and  upon  our  children  !"  O  Lord,  remove  the  film  from 
the  eyes  of  thole  prejudiced  Jews  ;  difpofe  them  to  receive 
4*The  Prince  of  Peace,"  let  him  be  all  their  falvation  and  all 
their  dehre.  Lord  remove  the  film  from  my  eyes  that  I  may 
fee  in  him,  whom  God  the  Father  hath  fent  and  fealed,  one 
*'  fairer  than  the  children  of  men  ;  into  whofe  lips  grace  is 
poured  :"  that  though  he  may  be  "  unto  the  Jews  a  Humbling 
block,  and  unto  the  Greeks  toolimriefs,  He  may  be  unto  us 
who  believe,  Chiiff,  the  power  ot  God,  and  the  wifdom  o£ 
God."    Amen. 


LLO'UKE 


Left.   IV.J  JESUS   CHRIST.  43 


LECTUR3   Ivr. 


LUKE    I.    1  1 — 20. 

And  there  appeared  unto  him  an  Angel  of  the  Lord  flan  din  p-  on 
the  right  fide  oj  the  altar  of  incenfe.  And  wh?n  Zacharias 
faw  him  he  was  troubled  and  fear  felt  upon  him.  But  the 
Angel  find  wto  him,  Fear  not,  Zacharias  :  For  thy  prayer  is 
heard  j  and  thy  zufe  Elizabeth  /hall  bear  thee  a/on%  and  thou 
fhalt  call  Ins  name  John,  And  thou  [halt  have  joy  and  g'-ad- 
nefs  ;  and  manyjkall  rejoice  at  his  birth.  For  he  fhalt  be 
great  in  the  fight  of  the  Lord,  and  fhalt  drink  neither  wine 
norjlrong  drink  ;  andhejhall  be  filed  with  the  Ho'y  Ghofl, 
even  frovi  his  mother's  womb,  sind  many  of  the  children  of 
lfrael  /hall  he  turn  to  the  Lord  their  God,  And  he  flia'l  go 
before  him  in  the/pint  and  Power  of  Eli  as,  to  turn  the  hearts 
of  the  Fathers  to  the  children,  and  the  df obedient  to  the  wif- 
dom  o/  the  jufl  ;  to  make  ready  a  people  prepared  for  the  Lord, 
And  Zzcharias  (aid  ante  the  Angel,  whereby  Jkatl  L  know 
this  ?  For  L  am  an  old  man,  and  my  wife  well  flricken  in 
years.  And  the  Angel anfwering  find  unto  him,  Lam  Gabri- 
el, that  fland  in  the  prc/ence  of  God;  and  amfent  to  (peak, 
unto  thee,  and  to Jhew  thee  the fe glad  tiaings.  And,  behold, 
thou  fliatt  be  dumb,  and  not  ab'e  to  fpeak,  until  the  day  that 
thefe  things  fliall be  performed,  becau/e  thou  btlicvfl  not  my 
words,  nxhickjlull  be  fulfilled  in  their  Jeafon. 

11  r  I  'HE  prophecy  came  not  in  old  time  by  the  will  of  man  ; 
A  but  holy  men  ot  God  fpake  as  they  were  moved  by 
the  Holy  Ghott."  Being  determined  through  the  courfe  of 
thefe  exercifes  to  avoid  every  thing  that  has  the  appearance  ot 
controverfy,  I  take  it  tor  granted  that  you  believe  and  re- 
ceive the  hiitory  of  our  blefled  Lord  and  Saviour  Jefus  Chrifl, 
as  delivered  in  the  tour  gofpels  according  to  Matthew,  M^rk, 
Luke,  and  John,  as  ot  divine  mfpiration  and  authority. 
Of  the  tour  Evangflifts  two  were  ot  the  number  of  the 
twelve  whom  Chnli  called  to  the  office  ot  apoftlefhip, 
and  who  recorded  events  of  which  they  were  witneii'es 
and  partakers,  and  tr«mfcnbed  difcourfes  which  they  heard 
and  well  remembered.  The  other  two  derived  their  in- 
formation 


44 


II I S  TO  &  Y  OF  [$-e&-   Iv° 


formation  immediately  from  thofe  "  who  from  the  be- 
ginning were  eye  witnelles  and  rninifters  of  the  word." 
Their  harmony,  in  every  particular  oi  any  importance,  is  a 
proof  oi  the  truth  and  certainty  oi  each  individually,  and  of 
the  whole,  John,  as  one  borne  aloit  on  the  wings  of  an  eagle, 
afcends  into  the  heaven  of  heavens,  and  begins  his  account  of 
his  beloved  Mafter  with  a  fubl'me  and  interefting  reprefenta- 
tibn  of  his  divine  nature';  for  which  we  refer  you  to  Lec- 
ture I.  Mark  introduces  "  the  beginning  of  the  gofpel  of 
Jefus  Chrift  the  Son  ot  God,"  with  the  voice  of  a  lion  M  cry- 
ing in  the  wildernefs,  prepare  ye  the  way  ot  the  Lord,  make 
his  paths  ftraight."  Luke  ufhers  in  the  great  Prophet,  "  the 
defire  of  all  nations,''  with  an  account  oi  the  conception  and 
birth  of  his  forerunner  John  the  Baptift,  and  is  o»"  courfe  led 
to  extract  the  commencement  of  "the  evangelical,  out  of  the 
legal  difpenlation  :  and  he  fets  out  with  exhibiting  Zacharias 
in  the  exercile  of  the  prieft's  office.  Matthew  commences  at 
once  with  thehiilory  of  Chriti's  humanity,  as  the  fon  of  Da- 
vid, the  ion  oi  Abraham.  For  thefe  reafons,  the  four  facred 
hiflorians  of  the  New  Teftament  difpenlation  have  been 
di'ltinguifhed  by  cbrrefpondihg  fymbolical  reprefentations, 
analogous  to  the  vifion  of  the  prophet  Ezekiel,  Matthew  by 
the  face  of  a  man,  Mark  by  that  of  a  lion,  Luke  by  that  of  ah 
ox,  and  John  by  that  of  an  eagle. 

St.  Luke  was  by  profefjion  a  phyfician  ;  he  became  early  a 
profelyfe  to  the  Jewifh  religion,  and  he  is  generally  fuppofed 
to  have  been  one  of  ChriiVs  fir  ft  difciples,  and  ot  the  number 
of  the  feventy  whom  "  He  lent  out  two  and  two  into  every 
city  and  place,  whither  ne  himfelt  would  come.'*  After  he 
had  concluded  the  hiftory  of  our  Lord  himfeif,  at  the  period 
ol  his  afcenhon  into  heaven,  he  undertook  that  ot  the  acts  of 
the  Apollles,  and  he  addreftes  both  his  books  to  a  perfon  of 
amiable  character  and  exalted  rank,  named  Theophilus,  and 
in  him,  to  every  lover  of  God,  in  every  age  of  the  Church, 
who  is  defirous  to  know  "  the  certainty  otthe  things  wherein' 
he  has  been  inftru6ted."  On  the  converfion  of  St.  Paul  to  the 
Chrift  ian  laith,he  feems  to  have  attached  himfelt  with  much 
zeal  and  affection  to  that  great  Apoftle  of  the  Gentiles,  he  be. 
came  voluntarily  the  companion  of  his  travels  and  affli6f,ions, 
and  brought  down  his  hiftory  to  his  arrival  at  Rome  as  & 
prifoner,  on  an  appeal  to  the  Emperor  Nero.  His  gofpel  and. 
hiftory  of  the  a£ts  were  probably  fubmitted  to  the  infpetlion 
ot  his  illuftrious  fellow-traveller,  and  received  the  feal  of  his 
approbation.     In  the  preface  to  the  gofpel  inferibed  with  his 

name, 


LecL  iv.]  jEsus  christ.  4$ 

name,  he  modeftly,  yet  with  firmnefs,  lays  claim  to  the  great, 
thecflential  qualification  of  a  hillorian,  namely,  accurate  and 
complete  information  respecting  his  Subject.,  M  having,"  fdys 
he,  "  had  perfect  undcrftanding  of  all  things,  from  the  very 
firft:"  and  the  pro fe fled  end  which  he  had  in  view  is  no  leSs 
worthy  of  a  great  and  enlightened  mind,  that  arefpected  friend 
might  be  eftabhflied  in  the  knowledge,  faiilu  and  hope  of  the 
gof'pcl.  The  tongue  of  prophecy  had  now  been  blent  tor 
more  than  four  hundred  years.  The  laft  word  which  it  had 
fpoken  announced  the  fending  of  Elijah  the  prophet,  to  pre- 
cede the  great  and  notable  day  of  the  Lord,  to  work  a  remark- 
able change  in  the  temper  and  character  of  mankind,  to  pre- 
vent the  earth  fiom  being  M  fmitien  with  a  curie," 

A  period  of  darknefs  and  diforder  Succeeded.  The  land 
which  had  been  for  ages  fo  renowned  in  hiftory  feems  as  if 
blotted  out  of  the  globe  ;  the  people,  which  had  been  hung 
up  as  a  fign  before  the  eyes  ol  lo  many  fucceffive  generations, 
feems  to  be  extinguished  and  loft  ;  the  predictions  and  prom- 
ifes  which  conferred  upon  them  Such  high  importance,  and  du- 
ration fo  extended,  feem  to  have  been  defeated  and  rendered 
of  no  ef7e6L  'The  throne  of  David,  whofe  permanency  was  So 
often,  and  fo  Solemnly  declared,  has  iunk  into  the  earth  and 
difappeared.  The  representative  of  the  royal  line  of  Judah 
is  Sunk  into  an  humble  carpenter:  andali  hope  of  revival  is  at 
3n  end.  But  the  Lord  hath  fpoken-  and  (hall  he  not  do  it,  he 
hrith  promifed  and  Snail  he  not  bring  it  to  pafs  ?  Yes,  but  not 
at  the  feafon,  nor  in  the  way  which  human  wifdom  would 
have  prefcribed,  nor  by  means  which  human  wifdom  would 
have  employed.  Behold  light  once  more,  and  Suddenly, 
ihines  out  ol  darktiefs  :  the  land  of  Ifrael  rifes  once  more  into 
importance  ;  Jerufalem  rears  her  head  among  the  nations,  the 
ftar  of  Jacob  ariSes,  '*  a  rod  Springs-  out  of  the  Hem  oi  Jefte, 
and  a  branch  out  of  his  roots;"  and  the  glory  of  the  latter 
temple  eclipfes  that  of  the  former. 

The  Lvangelift  informs  us  that  at  this  eventful  period  Her- 
od was  King  of  Judea.  Princes  are  often  among  the  inferior 
aclors  in  the  great  drama  of  Providence.  Their  will  (hakes 
'the  nations  of  the  earth,  but  the  hearts  and  arms  of  Kings 
themSeives  are  in  the  hands  of  the  Lord  to  be  by  him  turned 
which  way  Soever  he  will.  This  man  has  by  Some  been  dKnifie4 
with  the  addition  of  M  the  great  :"  an  appellation  more  fre- 
quently beftowed  as  a  reward  to  fplendid  vice,  than  as  a  trib- 
ute to  mode  ft  merit.  Herod  the  great !  and  yet  a  paltry  fubfti- 
tute  of  ft  Romsto  Empcior,  an  habitual  {Jave  to  the  vilefl  of  hu- 
man 


46  history  of  [Left.  iv. 

man  panTiom,  envy,  hilt,  jeakmfy,  cruelty,  revenge.  The  in- 
spired penman  gives  him  no  names,  either  go  d  or  bad,  but 
fimply  teils  his  itory  as  tar  as  it  is  connected  w.th  that  ot  Him 
by  whom  "  Kings  reign  and  Princes  decree  judgment."  The 
reign  or  Herod  tons  lerves  merely  as  a  prologue  to  introduce 
the  more  important  name; and  hiftory  ot  an  ancient,  obfcure 
prieit  called  Zacharias,  and  our  attention  is  initantly  called  a- 
vay  from  the  fplendor,  noife  and  intrigue  ot  a  bufy,  vain-glo- 
rious,  debauched  court,  to  contemplate  the  humble  concerns 
or  a  private-family ,  and  the  noifelefs  performance  ot  a  religous 
fervice. 

.  How  different  are  the  ideas  affixed  to  the  terms  great  and 
little  by  fober  reaion  and  popular  opinion,  by  the  wifdom  of 
God  and  the  tolly  ot  man  !  Weighed  in  the  balance  ot  the 
fancfuary,  Herod  fawning  on  Auguftus,  or  on  one  ot  his  ta- 
vorites,  diffolvcd  in  luxury,  itained  wnh  blood,  inilamed  with 
resentment,  is  little  and  contemptible  ;  while  the  aged  prieft, 
reconciled  to  the  will  ot  God,  who  had  written  him  childlels, 
puriuing  the  calm  tenor  ot  his  wuy,  fulfilling  the  unoitenta^ 
tious  duties  ot  his  place  and  itation,  ''  ngtheous  before 
God,  walking  in  all  the  commandments  and  ordinances  ot  the 
Lord,  blamtleis,"  commands  affection,  eiteem  and  refpect. 
This  venerable  pair,  Zacharias  and  Elizabeth,  were  both  of 
the  tribe  of  Levi,  on  which  the  office  ot  piiellhood  was  en- 
tailed, iio  h  nature  and  religion  taught  them  to  confider  the 
gift  ot  children  as  a  blefling  ;  but  the  hope  ot  that  bleffing 
they  feem  now  calmly  to  have  reftgned,  and  they  are  qu  leily 
iinKing  into  the  decline  of  life,  if  not  with  the  conlolauon  of 
leaving  their  name  and  office  to  their  children,  poffeffing  nev. 
erthelcfs  that  of  mutual  affection,  ot  a  devout  fpirit  and  a  con- 
science void  ot  offence.  The  midnight  of  nature  is  the  dawn- 
ing ot  the  day  of  grace ;  and  he  who  in  wifdom  and  jultice 
bungs  to  nought  the  wifdom  ot  the  worldly  prudent,  '•  raifeth 
up  tne  poor  out  ot  the  dull,  and  litteth  the  needy  out  of  the 
dunghill,  that  he  may  fet  him  with  princes,  even  with  the  prin- 
ces ot  his  people.  He  maketh  the  barren  woman  to  keep 
houfe,  and  to  be  a  joytul  mother  of  children." 

The  Prince  ot  Peace  is  ready  to  make  his  public  entrance 
on  the  grand  theatre,  and  it  is  time  tor  his  harbinger  to  pre- 
pare the  way,  and  for  the  herald  to  announce  his  approach. 
And  where  thall  we  look  tor  him  ?  Turn  your  eyes  to  Judea, 
to  Jerufalem,  to  the  temple.  See,  the  lot  is  prepared,  to  de- 
termine whofe  turn  it  fhould  be  to  burn  incenfe  before  the 
Lord   in  the   holy   place.      Providence  prefides  over  it,  and 

Zacharias 


Left.  IV.]  Jesus  CHtfist.  4J 

Zacha  ias  is  taken.  Behold  him,  with  joy  accepting  the  fac- 
red  talk  ot  paying  a  grateful  tribute  ot'praife  to  God,  and  ot 
alii  Ming  the  prayers  ot  the  people  without,  with  the  com- 
manded perfume  of  the  altar  of  incenle.  Behold  him  entering 
within  the  veil,  under  the  mixed  emotions  ot  godly  fear,  and 
exalted  delight,  to  worfhip  trnt  God  who  once  reiided  there  in 
fenhble  glory,  but  from  which  the  glory  had  long  departed. 
All  is  folitude  and  filence  ;  the  unextinguilhed  light  that  burnt 
continually  before  Jehovah  lends  its  flame  to  fet  on  fire  the  in* 
cenfe,  when  lo,  the  luftre  of  material  fire  is  loft  in  the  brighter 
glory  ot  the  great  Archangel,  and  the  iolemn  filence  is  bioken 
by  the  melodous  accents  ofa  cekftial  voice.  Gabriel  who  five 
hundred  and  forty  years  before,  announced  to  the  prophet  Dan- 
iel the  commencement  of  the  determined  weeks  which  ihouid 
precede  the  Mefhah's  day,  now  announces  to  Zachariah  their 
confummation.  He  opens  the  fealed  book,  of  prophecy,  and 
to  his  afronimment  informs  him  that  the  promifed  coining  of 
Elias,  with  which  the  ancient  canon  clofed,  was  near  at  kand  ; 
that  this  great  prophet  mould  appear  in  the  perfon  of  a  foil  ok 
liis  own,  whom  God  by  a  fp^cial  difpenfation  of  his  provi- 
dence was  railing  up  to  fulfil  the  Scriptures,  to  turn  many  of 
the  children  ot  Ifrael  to  the  Lord  their  God,  "  to  go  before 
the  Saviour  in  the  fpirit  and  power  ot  Elias,  to  turn  (lie  hearts 
ot  the  fathers  to  the  children,  and  the  difobedicnt  to  the  wif- 
dom  of  the  juft,  to  make  ready  a  people  prepared  tor  the 
Lord."  How  is  the  pride  of  Kings  levelled  to  the- dull  before 
an  appearance  like  this  !  How  many  princes  and  potentates 
have  arilen,  and  fallen,  and  funk  into  oblivion  fince  Gabriel 
lad  vifited  the  earth  !  How  have  the  kingdoms  of  this  vtorfd 
been  fhaken  during  the  courfe  of  five  centuiies  !  How  ohen 
has  the  feat  ot  empire  changed,  and  the  globe  changed  its  in- 
habitants \  but  the  heavenly  meffenger  enjoys  unfading  iuflre 
and  undiminished  flrength.  The  purpofe  of  the  Eternal  has 
been  proceeding  all  the  while  and  the  convuihons  and  conten- 
tion of  the  nations  have  been  working  (be  r  ghteoufnef*  oi* 
God,  and  preparing  the:  way  for  the  king. lorn  of  peace  and  tave. 
The  appearance  of  an  angel,  however,  though  lent  on  an  er- 
rand ot  mercy,  though  delivering  a  meflage  oi  grace  Ironaon 
high,  is  an  object  of  terror  to  Iraii  mortality.  4'  When  7. . 
Arias  faw  him  he  was  troubled,  and  fear  fell  upon 
it  the  upright  and  biamelefs  man  tremble  at  the  i>refenceoi  an 
angel,  M  where  fhall  the  ungodly  and  the  tinner  appear,"  when 
*{  the  Lord  himielf  mall  be  revealed  from  heaven  in  fldiisssrg 
lire,  taking  vengeance  Oil  ^  them  that  know,  not   GoJ  acid  tr 


4$  h  i  s  t o  r  y  o  f  [Left,  i  v, 

bey  net  the  gofpel  !5>  The  triumph  of  goodnefs  is  the  glory  ol 
a  really  fuperior  being.  The  Angel  that"  flands  in  the  pref-* 
ence  of  God,"  exults  not.  in  the  confufion  of  a  frail  mortal, 
but  faid  to  him  "  fear  not,  Zacharias."  The  infolence  of  fupe- 
riority,  and  the  delight  oi  outfhining,  of  dazzling,  ot  diitreil* 
ing  an  inferior,  are  the  charafteriftics  of  a  little  ibul,  of  fome 
angels  falfely  fo  called  ;  thofe  who  are  truly  fuch  condefcend- 
ingly  (ink  to  the  level  of  thofe  who  are  beneath  them,  or  af- 
fectionately raife  the  humble  up  to  their  own.  In  the  pref- 
encQ  of  God  all  diffinclions  vanifh  ;  Gabriel  and  Zacharias 
are  tellow  creatures,  fellow  fervants,  fellow  dependants; 
the  inferior  being  makes  himfelr  known  by  his  timidity,  the 
fuperior  by  his.  benevolence  and  love  :  this  marks  the 
difference,  trie  affe&irig  difference  which  purity  and  guilt  have 
rnade. 

The  flaming  minifter  addre  fifes  the  attendant  on  the  earthly 
fan&uary,  with  all  the  familiarity  andeafeofancientfriendfhip  ; 
the  de fires  of  his  heart,  the  fubjeft  of  his  prayers  are  well 
known  to  him  ;  he  has  all  along  been  the  fympathizing,  though 
unfeen,  unknown  witnefs  ot  his  anxieties  and  diitrefTes,  and  he 
efieems  it  an  honour  and  a  happinefsto  be  employed  as  the 
meffen'ger  of  glad  tidings  to  a  pious,  fuffering  human  being. 
Zacharias  had  long  ago  ceafed  from  expefting,  had  ceafed 
from'  praying  for  the  building-  up  of  his  own  houfe,  but 
he  waited  for  the  confolatioh  of  Ifrael,  he  continued  in- 
flant  in  prayer  for  the  rebuilding  of  the  tabernacle  of  David 
which  was  fallen  down,  and  lo,  God  at  length  beftows,  as  he 
did  upon  Solomon,  not  only  the  blefTing  which  he  allied,  but 
that  alfo  which  he  afked  not ;  namely,  a  fon  to  fupport  the 
honour  of  his  own  name,  and  the  promife  of  the  Son  that 
mould  be  born,  the  Child  that  mould  be  given,  in  whom  all 
the  families  of  the  earth  mould  be  blefied.  The  injunctions 
of  the  law  refpefting  Nazarites  are  repeated  and  applied  to  the 
prefent  cafe,  and  the  future  greatnefs  and  importance  of  this' 
miraculous  child,  in  the  fcaieof  Providence,  are  foretold  ;  and 
Zacharias  has  the  fatisfaclion  of  hearing  that  he  was  to  be  the 
father  of  him  who  fhouid  be  the  accompliihment  of  ancient 
prophecies,  "  The  voice  crying  in  the  wildernefs,"  the  finger 
to  point  out  to  mankind  "  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  a- 
way  the  fin  of  the  world." 

Terror  gives  way  by  degrees  to  feelings  of  a   different  kind, 
and,  with  the  glory   ot  the  heavenly    virion   before    his  ever., 
with  the  faith  of  father  Abraham,   in  fimilar  circumflances,   ar. 
an  encouragement  to  his  own,  and  with  the  manifold   instan- 
ces 


Left.  IV.]  JESU3  CHRIST.  4Q 

ces  which  the  hiflory  ot  his  own  country   afforded  of  (imilar 
interpolition,  he  converfes  with  flefli  and  blood,  he  /taggers  at 
the  promife  through  unbelief,  and  for  a   moment    forgets   that 
with  God  all  things  are  pollible.     The  angel  veuchfates  to  ex- 
plain himfelf  to  the  unbeliever  ;  his  incredulity  (hall  not  fruf- 
trate  the  purpofe  ot  Heaven,  nor  evea  divert   into  a   different 
channel  the  mercy  which  he  doubted  ;  but  his  frailty  (hall  not 
go  wholly  unpunifbed,  he  (hall  be  wounded  in  thole  faculties 
which  he  had  fo  ill  employed  as  the  avenues  to  his   mind,   the 
tongue  which  dared  to  exprefs  the  language  ot  doubt  and  fuf- 
picion  mutt  undergo  a  temporary  filence,  the  ear  which  would 
not  admit  the  communications  ot  an  Archangel,    fhall  be   (hut 
for  a  feafon  againft  the  delights  of  focial    intercourfe,    and   the 
fign  which  he  unwifely  demanded  fliall  bear  upon  it  a  mark  of 
diipleafure.     Striking  mixture  of  goodnefs  and    fevcrity,    ot 
goodnefs  unbounded,  and  feverity  retrained  !    Striking   view 
ot  the  fu  pre  me  power   pofTeffed   and   exercifed  by    the  great 
Lord  ot  Nature,  over  all  our  powers  and  pofleffions.     Me  who 
bellowed  the  gitt  of  fpeech  on   man  can   withdraw  it  in  a  mo. 
ment  ;  or  confound  it  fo  as  to  be  no  longer  a  medium  ot  cons- 
munication  between  mankind  ;  He  can  confer  it  on  the  dumb 
afs  t©  reprove  "'  the  madnefs  ot  the  prophet  ;"  or  inftanfarie- 
oufly  communicate  it,  in  all  its  different  forms,  to  the  ignorant 
and  illiterate,  for  the  inftruction  and   falvation  of  the  various 
nations  of  the  earth.      Let  a  gift  fo   preciOul  never  be  vilely 
profaned  as  an  organ  ot  fdlfebood,  pride,  luff,  or  profanity. 

The  words  ot  the  Angel  all  meet  their   accomplifliment   in 
their  feafon.     The   pretended   oracles  of  paganifm  were   con- 
strained to  veil  their  prophetic  enunciations  in  terms  of  my  fie- 
ry and   obfeurity  ;    they    fpake   with   timidity   and    caution  ; 
they  clothed  their  refponfes  and  mandates  in  general   and   am- 
biguous exprefhons,  which  fuperftltion  might   interpret   what 
way  foever  it  would  ;  and  which  any  event  might  be  wrefled 
to  juflify  and  fupport  ;  but  the   lively  oracles  of  God   are  mi- 
nute, diflincl,  intelligible  and  pointed  ;  he  who  runs  may  read 
them;  they  clothe  predictions  with  fuch  an  exa£inefsof  circum- 
ftance  ;  they  appeal  to  events  fo  near  at  hand,  fo  obvious  to  in- 
vefligatiorvhat  it  is  impcflibletomiliakeonc  thing  for  another.to 
confound  one  with  another.  Zachariass  dumhnefs,  the  feafon  ot 
bis  being  attacked  with  it,  the  unexpected,  miraculous  pregi 
of  Elizabeth,  the  birth  of  the  child  according  to  ih<  ;imeot  life, 
thefudden  rcftoration  of  the  Father's  hearing  and  fpeeeh,  at  the 
very  moment  predicted,   were  all  matters  of  public    notoi: 
every  one  lingular  in  itfe!<  bole  taken  in  connexion   h 

G  gular, 


$<d  HISTORY  Of  [Left.  IV. 

Angular,  as  to  mark  the  intereft  which  eternal  Providence 
took  in  an  event,  at  firft  fight,  cf  no  great  general  importance, 
but  in  its  effects  and  confluences  involvingthe  fate  ot  nations, 
the  everlafting  destination  of  worlds. 

What !  all  this  Hate  and  magnificence  ;  the  trumpet  of 
prophecy  refounding,  the  prince  of  Angels  delcending,  to  pro- 
claim the  advent  of  merely  a  man  with  raiment  of  camels' 
hair,  with  a  leathern  girdle  about  his  loins  !  The  Ruler  or  the 
Univerfe,  be  allured,  is  not  fo  lavilh  of  extraordinary  difplays 
of  his  power  and  wifdom.  If  the  true  Go$  appear,  it  is  on  an 
creation  worthy  of  a  God.  And  if  this  be  the  preparation 
made  for  the  appearance  of  the  fervant,  what  ftate  mall  pre- 
cede the  entrance  of  the  Sovereign  ?  Gabriel,  I  forefee  has  a- 
nothermefiage  to  bring,  a  multitude  of  the  heavenly  hofl  is 
on  the  wing,  to  announce  a  greater  than  John  Baptift,  even 
Him  of  whom  John  Baptift  himfelf  fays.  '*  There  ftandeth  one 
among  you,  whom  ye  know  not ;  He  it  is  who  coming  after 
me  is  preferred  before  me,  whofe  fhoes'  late  he  1 1  am  not  wor- 
thy to  unloofe."  This  lolcmn  preparation  foi  the  manifefta- 
tion  of  God  in  the  flefh,  if  God  permit,  will  be  the  fub- 
ject  of  the  next  Lecture.  I  now  conclude  with  the  following 
reflection  : 

I.  Angels,  we  perceive,  take  a  lively,  an  affectionate,  and 
a  companionate  intereft  in  the  affairs  of  men.  "  Are  they  not 
all  mirjiftering  fpiiits,  lent  forth  to  minifter  for  them  who  (hall 
be  heirs  of  falvation  ?"  The  "  little  ones"  of  Chrift's  family, 
the  little  in  age  and  ftature,  the  little  in  condition,  muff  not  be 
cefpifed,  "  for  I  fay  unto  you,"  are  his  emphatic  words,  "  that 
in  heaven  their  angels  do  always  behold  the  face  ot  my  Father 
which  is  in  heaven  :"  and  "  There  is  joy  in  the  prefence  of 
the  angels  of  God  over  one  (inner  that  repenteth."  What 
condefcenfion  on  the  part  of  beings  fo  highly  exalted  !  What  a 
protection  provided  for  the  feeble  !  What  encouragement 
propofed  to  the  penitent  !  "  The  angel  of  the  Lord  encamp- 
eth  round  about  them  that  fear  him,  and  delivereth  them.'r 
Pleafing,  awful  thought !  The  hoft of  heaven  guards  my  path 
and  my  bed,  watches  over  my  lying  down  and  rifing  up  ;  but 
their  eyes  are  continually  upon  me,  I  am  '*  compafled  about 
with  a  great  cloud  of  witneffes,"  they  bear  teftimony  to  what  I 
am,  whither  I  go,  how  I  am  employed.  Is  the  eye  of  a  child 
a  guard  to  virtue  ?  What  holy  circumfpefclion  and  watchful- 
nefs,  then,  what  earneflnefs  and  perfeverance  in  well  doing, 
what  abhorrence  of  that  which  is  evil,  ought  the  infpe6tio«  of 
an  angel,  ought  the  all-feeing  eve  ot   God  to  produce  ?  *'  He 

fhall 


Left,  iv.]  jesus  christ,  51 

(hall  give  his  angels  charge  over  thee,  to  keep  thee  in  all  thy 
ways  ;"  "  keep,"  therefore,  "  thy  heart  with  all  diligence  ;  for 
out  of  it  are  the  iifues  or"  life." 

2.  From  a  preparation  thus  folemn  and  magnificent  what 
are  we  not  to  expect  ?  Four  thoufand  years  have  been  employ- 
ed in  making  it  ;  a  proceflion  of  patriarchs,  of  prophets,  of 
fages,  or  prieirs,  of  potentates,  has  parted  on  before  in  uninter- 
rupted fucceflion  ;  angels  have  defcended  from  heaven  : 
Surely  He  who  thus  cometh  is  the  Son  ot  God.  "  When  he 
bringeth  in  the  firft  begotten  into  the  world,  He  faith,  M  And 
let  all  the  angels  of  God  worihip  Him  :*'  And  "  unto  the  Son 
He  faith,  Thy  throne,  O  God,  is  for  ever  and  ever  ;  a  fceptre 
of  righteoufnefs  is  the  fceptre  or  thy  kingdom  :"  for"  Thou, 
Lerd,  in  the  beginning,  haft  laid  the  foundation  of  the  earth  ; 
and  the  heavens  are  the  works  of  thine  hands."  "  Flis  name 
lhall  endure  lor  ever  :  his  name  (hall  be  continued  as  long  as 
the  fun  :  and  men  (hall  be  bleiied  in  him  :  all  nations  (hall  call 
him  bleifed.  Blefled  be  the  Lord  God,  the  Godof  Iirael,  who 
only  doth  wondrous  tilings  :  And  bleffed  be  his  glorious  name 
lor  ever  and  ever  ;  and  let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with  his 
glory.     Amen,  and  amen." 

3.  Though  predicted  events  are  ftriclly  conformable  to 
the  word  of  prophecy,  they  nevenhelefs,  in  many  cafes,  con- 
tradict, difappoint  and  far  exceed  human  expectation.  The 
prophets  themfelves  had  not  always  a  diitin6f.  and  complete 
perception  of  the  object  which  they  were  com  mi  (honed  to  hold 
up  to  the  eyes  of  the  world.  Thofe  "  holy  men  of  God  fpake 
as  they  were  moved  by  the  Holy  Ghoit."  The  agents  em- 
ployed in  the  accompli (hment  of  prornife  and  prediction,  lit- 
tle underftood  the  part  which  they  a&ed.  They  thought  of 
nothing  lefs  ;  they  intended  nothing  lefs.  They  were  uncon- 
scious inftruments  in  the  hand  of  God  to  execute  a  purpofe, 
which  had  they  known  they  would  have  ftriven  to  defeat. 
44  The  heathen  rage,  and  the  people  imagine  a  vain  thing.  The 
Kings  of  the  earth  let  themfelves,  and  the  rulers  take  counfel 
together,  againft  the  Lord,  and  againfl  his  anointed— He  that 
fitteth  in  rem  lhall  laugh  :  The  Lord   fhall  have   them 

inderi  M  H        I    and  Pontius   Pilate,    with  the 

Gentiles,  and  the  people  oflfrael,  gathered   together"  to  pro- 
m   te  the  caul  \  they  meant  to  deftroy  it. 

But  "  of  a  tru  conftrained  "  to  dowl 

ever  thy  hand  and  thy  counfel  determined  before  to  be  done." 
Happy  are  th  m   Gabriel    and    tl      other  flaming 

min   •  '  ■  ':,e  volun- 


t.0.  HISTORY    OF  [Left.   IV. 

tary,  the  joyful  agents  under,  and  together  with   God,   in  pro- 
moting the  great  work  ot  Salvation. 

4.  Let  not  man,  then,  prefume  to  make  his  own  under- 
ftanding  the  meafure  of  revealed  truth,  or  of  divine  conducl. 
<s  Who  hath  dire&ed  the  ipirit  ol  the  Lord,  or  Who  being 
his  eounfellor  hafh  taught  him  ?"  It  ill  becomes  a  creature 
confcious  to  himfelf  of  fo  much  weaknefs,  of  fo  much  igno- 
rance, ol  fuch  liablenefs  to  error,  toereft  himfelt  into  an  in- 
fallible judge,  "  Search  the  Scriptures,"  but  with  reverence, 
with  humility,  with  a  defire  to  be  infrrucled,  not  ceniorioully, 
felf-fufijciently,  not  to  wreft  Scripture  in  favour  ot  a  precon- 
ceived opinion,  or  long-eftablifhed  dogma.  Study  the  ways 
of  Providence  ;  but  dare  not  to  interpret  them  according  as 
paflion  or  prejudice  may  diciate.  "  Thy  way,"  O  God,  *.'  is 
in  the  fea,  and  thy  path  in  the  great  waters,  and  thy  footfleps 
are  not  known."  Scripture  is  the  baft  interpreter  of  Scrip- 
ture, and  Providence  of  Providence  ;  and'*  if  any  man  will  do 
his  will,  he  fhall  know  of  the  doclrine,  whether  it  be  of  God." 
Practical  conformity  to  the  divine  will  is  preferable  to  the  high- 
eft  attainments  in  knowledge,  and  it  is  the  moil  direft  road  to 
farther  dilcovery. 

£.  Superior  beings  are  now  en  obje£r.  of  terror,  and  it  is 
confcious  guilt  in  man  which  clothes  them  with  that  terror. 
They  are  our  friends,  they  take  delight  in  miniftcring  to  our  ne- 
ceflities,  they  cherifh  the  gracious  afFeclions  ot  elder  to  young- 
er brethren,  yet  the  apparition  is  formidable  even  to  a  Zachari- 
as.  But  "  there  is  no  fear  in  love  ;  for  perfect  love  cafteth 
out  fear  :  becaufe  fear  hath  torment.  He  that  feareth  is  not 
made  per  feci:  in  love."  To  that  glorious  perfection  theChrif. 
tian  is  encouraged  to  afpire.  We  (brink  from  the  idea  of  a 
vifit  from  a  departed  friend  arifing  out  of  the  grave,  but  we 
look  with  hope  and  defire  to  the  day  when  we  (hall  be  added 
"to  the  general  aflembly  and  church  of  the  full-born,  which 
are  written  in  heaven— and  to  the  fpirits  ©f  juft  men  made  per- 
fect.." The  vifion  of  one  angel,  in  our  prefent  ftate  of  depref- 
fion,  flrikes  the  mind  with  awe  ;  but  we  hope  to  come  "  t© 
an  innumerable  company  of  angels  ;"  nay  "  to  God  the  judge 
ot  all,"  for  we  come  through  "  Jefus  the  Mediator  of  the  new 
covenant,  and  the  blood  ot  fprinkling,  that  fpeaketh  better 
things  than  that  of  Abel."  "  Now  we  fee  through  a  glafs, 
darkly  ;  but  then  face  to  face  :  now  I  know  in  part  ;  but  then 
{hall  I  know  even  as  alfo  I  am  known." 


LECTURE 


Lett.  JESU3   CHRIST,  03 

LECTUR  E    V. 

I 

LUKE,  I.   25—33. 

.-!"*/  is  the  fix th  Month  the  angel  Gabriel  was  fent  J  unte 

a  city  of  Galilee,   named  Nazareth.     To  a  v  I  to 

a  man,  who  ft  name  was  Jojtph,  of  the  h&ufe  cj  David;  and 
the  virgin  s  name  was  Mary.     And  the  ange1  c&m  0  her, 

and  /aid,  hail,  thou  that  art  highly  favored,  the  I  era  u  with 
thee  :  BUjfed  art  thou  among  women.  And  when  /he  Jaw  him 
fie  was  troubled  at  his  faying,  and  call  -  tan* 

nr  of  falutation  tkisjhould  be.    And  the  angel  far  d  unto  her, 
fear  not,  Mary  :  For  thou  hajljound  favor  zvith  God.     . 
behold,  thou  JJidli  conceive  in  thy  womb,  and  bring   forth 
a  fon,  and Jlialt  call  his  name  fefus.     He /hall  be  great, 
JJiall  be  called  the  Son  ef  the  Highefi;  And  the  Lord  • 
give  unto  him  the  throne  of  his  father  David:  And  he    i 
reign  over  the  houfe  of  Jacob  jor  eve?  ;  dad  oj  his  kingi 
there  JJiall  be  no  t 

EVERY  thing  in  nature,  we  hare  obferved,  is  revel 
and  diicovery,  and  yet  all  is  myftcry  inexplicable.  Every 
flower  oi  the  held,  every  pebble  in  the  brook,  every  leaf  on  the 
tree,  every  grain  of  farid  on  the  Tea  fhore,  is  a  world  in  minia- 
ture, pofTefTed  of  qualities  which  a  little  child  is  capable  of  ob- 
ferving  and  p{  comprehending ;  yet  at  the  fame  time  containing 
hidden  treafures  which  no  Solomon  can  find  out  unto  perfec- 
tion. One  objeel  overwhelms  us  with  its  magnitude,  the  mi- 
nutenefs  of  another  mocks  our  refcarch.  The  Creator  here, 
involving  bimfelf  in  clouds  and  darknefs,  eludes  our  purfuit  ; 
there,  arrayed  in  "  light  inacceflible,  and  full  of  glory,"  He 
jorbids  our  approach.  In  all  the  ways  and  works  of  God  there 
is  a  (implicity  level  to  the  meanefl:  understanding,  and  a  com- 
plexnefs  which  confounds  the  moit  acute  and  enlarged.  It  all 
nature  and  Providence  prcfent  this  flrange  mixture,  is  it  any 
wander  if  we  find  it  in  the  work  of  redemption  ?  That  giani 
?era,  called  in  fciipturc  "  the  fulnefsof  time,"  was  now  come; 
even  the  time  for  accomphfhing  ancient  predictions  and  prom- 
ifes;  for  difplaying  and  fulfilling  the  purpofcoi  the  Eternal  in 
the  falvation  of  mankind,  by  him  to  whom  all  the  prophets 
£ive  witnefs,  and  in  whom  all  the  prqmifcs  are  yea  and  amen, 

la 


54  history  or  [Left.  v» 

In  order  to  introduce  him  with  more  than  royal  ftate,  God 
(hook  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  the  fea  and  the  dry  land;  the 
gentiles  preffed  toward  the  appearing  ot  this  grea-  light  of  the 
world,  and  kings  to  the  brightnefs  of  his  rifing.  To  prepare  the 
way  ot  the  Lord,  throne  was  (haken  after  throne,  empire  (wal- 
lowed up  empire.  Alexander  carried  his  ail-conquering  arms 
into  the  lerroteft  regions  of  the  eaft;  Cefar  extended  his  con- 
quefts  as  far  as  to  France  and  Britain  in  the  well :  and  Augus- 
tus gave  peace  to  a  troubled  world.  We  are  now  led  to  attend 
to  the  minuter  circumirances  ot  this  all-important  event. 

We  perceive  trom  the  beginning  what  we  are  never  permit- 
ted to  lofe  fight  ot  to  the  end,  a  magnificence  that  dazzles,  con- 
nected with  a  plainnefs  and  ftmplicity  which  intereft  and  attract, 
the  heart;  declaring  at  once  the  Son  ot  God,  and  the  Son  ot 
man;  Him  whom  angels  worlhip,  and  whom  the  poorefl  ot 
mankind  confider  as  one  of  their  kinfmen.  Obferve  the  exact- 
nets  ot  arrangement  in  every  part  ot  the  plan  of  Providence. 
Time  is  fettled  to  a  moment,  place  to  a  point.  No  defign  of 
heaven  can  be  accelerated  or  retarded,  changed  or  iruitrated. 
God  faid  unto  the  ferpent,  in  the  day  that  man  by  tranfgreflion 
fell,  "  I  will  put  enmity  between  thee  and  the  woman,  and  be- 
tween thy  feed  and  her  feed;  it  mail  bruife  thy  head,  and  thou 
fhaltbruife  his  heel ;"  and  it  is  not  an  unmeaning,  lifelefs  fen- 
tence,  filling  up  fpace  in  the  facred  page.  Lo,  it  awakens  into 
animation  and  energy,  not  one  tittle  ot  it  (hall  fail. 

To  accomplish  it  behold  Gabriel  is  again  on  the  wing  ;  but 
not  armed  with  a  flaming  fword  to  guard  the  way  ot  the  tree  of 
lift*,  but  bearing  the  olive  branch,  and  the  mefTage  of  peace, 
announcing  a  new  and  living  way  into  the  holieft  ot  all,  into 
the  paradife  ot  God.  It  there  be  joy  in  heaven  over  one  (inner 
that  repenteth,  what  was  the  jov  of  heaven  on  that  day  when 
the  great  archangel  received  his  commiffion  to  re vi fit  the  earth, 
to  convey  the  glad  tidings  ot  great  joy.  The  celeftial  bands 
adoring  pronrate  themfelves  before  the  eternal  throne  ;  con- 
templating this  new  creation  ot  God,  the  morning  ftars  fing 
together,  and  all  the  fons  of  God  fhout  for  joy.  Thefe  things 
they  have  for  ages  and  generations  been  looking- into,  the 
great  myftery  ot  godlineis.  God  made  maniteft  in  the  flefh  : 
they  enjoy  the  exalted  delight  of  beholding  %it  unfolded,  and 
the  time,  the  fet  time,  to  favour  a  perifhing  world  arrived. 
Gabriel  has  received  his  inftruftions  ;  he  flies  with  tranfport, 
fuch  as  angels  feel,  to  execute  the  will  lupreme  ;  the  flaming 
portal  flies  open  ;  myriads  of  pure  fpirits  celebrate  his  defcent 
with  fongs  of  praife.  And  whither  does  he  bend  his  flight  ? 
To  learned  Athens  or  imperial  Rome  ?  To  give  undemanding 

to 


Lc£i.   V."j  JESUS   CHRtST.  £& 

to  the  prudent,  or  to  hold  the  balance  o\  power  ?  No:  hut  to 
bring  to  nought   the  under ftanding  of  the  prudent,  to  humble 

the  rnigh  y  and  coniound  the  proud.  He  is  fent  to  a  country 
favoured  indeed  or  nature  and  renowned  initory  but  funk  in  the 
fcaleol  nations,  the  fkeleton  of  ancient  grandeur,  and  to  a  difti  ict 
ofthatdefpifed  country  proverbially  contemptible, and  to  oneot 
the  lead  of  the  cities  of  that  region,  and  to  one  of  the  poor  eft  and 
meaneft  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  city— to  a  virgin  indeed  ol 
Toyal  extraction,  but  fallen  into  indigence,  betrothed  to  an  ob- 
fcure  mechanic,  a  {hanger  in  a  ftrange  place.  It  is  thus  that 
Godchoofe'h  "  the  foolilh  things  ol  the  world  to  confound  the 
wife,  and  the  weak,  things  of  the  world  to  confound  the  things 
which  are  mighty,  and  bafe  things  of  the  world,  and  things 
which  are  defpifed,  yea,  and  things  which  are  not,  to  bring  to 
nought  things  which  are." 

The  deltinations  ot  the  Almighty  flamp  a  dignity  and  im- 
portance on  perfons,  places,  and  things  which  they  pofleffed 
not  before;  to  be  employed  of  him  is  the  higheft  dignity 
which  the  creature  can  at  quire  ;  to  minifter  to  him,  in  minif- 
tcring  to  the  objects  of  his  companion  or  of  his  love,  is  the  glo- 
ry and  joy  of  angels  and  archangels.  Galilee  and  Nazareth  now 
poffefs  an  eminence  unknown  to  the  mod  illuftrious  kingdoms 
andtheproudeff.  capitals.  He  makethhis  angels  Spirits,  but  we 
difcern,  andreafon,  and  converfe  through  the  medium  of  fenfe. 
Men  cannot  rife  to  the  level  of  angeh,  but  angels  are  permitted, 
for  wife  and  gracious  purpofes,  to  defcend  to  the  level  of  men, 
to  affume  an  organized  body,  to  convey  their  ideas  in  the  ac- 
cents of  the  human  voice.  But  can  this  be  a  degradation  of 
their  fuperior  nature  ?  No  :  it  is  its  glory  and  perfe£Hon.  To 
delcend  to  thofe  who  are  below  us,  to  alpire  alter  greater  re- 
femblance  to  thofe  who  are  above  us,  in  this  eon fi ft s  the  real 
excellency  of  a  created  being.  We  cannot  imitate  angels  in 
their  intelligence  and  elevation,  but  in  their  condefcenfioii 
and  humility  we  may,  and  we  ought. 

What  a  contrail  have  we  here,  between  (he  ran!;  of  the  mef- 
fenger  and  of  the  perfon  to  whom   the  mefTage   is  addrefled  I 
But  the  pre  fence  and  pnrpofe   of  God  level   all   diftinclions. 
Mary,  the  mother  of  our  Lord,   rifes,    and   Gabriel    finks,    for 
the  Son  of  God  himfelf,  ihe  Lord  ol  angels,  is  about  to  " 
upon  him  the  form  of  a   fervant."     The   evangelifts  are   min- 
utely particular  in  detailing  the   circum dances  which  concur- 
red to  imprefs  the  characters  ol  truth  and  importance 
event.     This  fpirit  of  prophecy  had  lately    and    unexj 
beeo.  revived  in  the  perlons  of  Simeon  and   of    - 
•tkers  who  were  waiting  lor  tl  ilation   of   Ifi 

- 


§6  HISTORY    CF  [Left.   V. 

extraordinary  cafe  of  Zacharias  and  Elizabeth,  which  was  well 
known  to  all  who  attended  the  worfliip  of  the  tempie,  mall; 
have  excited  the  public  attention  and  expectation.  This  is 
followed,  fix  months  after,  by  a  cafe  fHll  more  extraordinary, 
more  out  ot  the  courle  ot  nature,  and  of  ftill  higher  moment, 
and  ot  equ.o]  notoriety.  Opportunity  was  thereby  afforded  to 
the  fufpiciou*  and  incredulous  to  inquire  and  examine  ;  that 
inquiry  mult  lead  to  the  difcovery  of  a  cloud  of  witnefTes,  lying 
dormant  in  books  universally  held  facred,  but  neglecled,  mif- 
tmde'rp.o'od  and  mifapplied  :  life  and  fubftance,  meaning  and 
luftre,  are  in  a  moment  given  to  them  by  well  known  and 
undeniable  fa6b.  No  appearance  of  a?t  or  induftry  is  dif- 
eernable,  but  a  {Imple,  eafy,  natural  tranfition  from  (one  thing 
to  another.  The  appearances,  indeed,  are  oiat  of  the  ordinary 
courfe  of  nature  ;  but  they  are  narrated  as  mere  ordinary 
things ;  and  the  defcent  oi-  an  archangel,  and  his  fpeech  and 
demeanear  are  defer  bed  with  rio  more  parade  of  words,  no 
more  labour  of  thought,  than  the  Springing  ot  an  ear  of  corn, 
or  the  fall  of  a  fparrow  to  the  ground. 

This  majeftic,  dignified  eafe  marks  the  prefence  of  a  God, 
with  whom  nothing  can  be  extraordinary  or  miraculous ;  who 
exhibits  perfeas  ?.rA  events  as  they  really  are,  whether  men 
will  hear  or  whether  they  will  forbear.  The  angel  reprefents 
none  but  objecls  of  the  higheft  intereft  and  importance.  He 
announces  the  approach  of  a  great  prince,  who  mould  afcend 
the  throne  of  David,  who  was  to  exercife  unbounded  authori- 
ty, and  enjoy  e.verlaiting  dominion  ;  who  mould  be  diftin- 
guivhed  by  the  ftat ;  and  title  of  the  Son  of  the  Higheft  ;  and 
that  this  extraordinary  perfonage  mould  be  introduced  upois 
the  grand  theatre  by  the  Almighty's  creating  a  new  thing  up- 
on the  earth.  te  The  Holy  Ghoft  fhall  come  upon  thee,  and 
the  power  of  the  Higheft  fhall  overfhadow  thee;  therefore  alfc 
that  holy  thing  which  fhall  be  born  of  thee  fliall  be  called  the 
Son  of  God."  The  Angularity  of  this  wonderful  conception 
and  birth  was  greatly  heightened  by  having  been  prefigured 
and  foretold  at  lundry  times,  and  in  diners  manners;  fuch  as 
reternatural  birth  of  Ifaac,  of  Jacob,  of  Sampfon,  of  John 
ft,  and  the  exprefs  and  pointed  prediction  of  Ifaiah.  "  the 
Lord  himfelf  (hall  give  you  a  fign,  behold,  a  virgin  fhall  con- 
e  /.ud  bear  a  fort,  and  fhall  call  his  name  Emanuel,"  God 
us.  All  thefe  hold  u;  'to  us,  through  a  fucceftionof  ages,  the 
fubftance  of  the  fir  ft  threatening  to  the  ferpent,  which  was  at  the 
i  arne  time  the  firft  promife  ofgracato  mankind  was  made,  that 
'  in  whomall  the  familiesof  the  earth  (hould  be  blefled,  and  wha 
I  uife  the  ferpent's  head,  mould  be  in  a  proper  and  pecu- 

liar fenfe   the  feed  of  the  woman.    Affoniihing  and  initruclive 

view 


[  Led.  v .]  j  £  s  u  s  c  h  r  i  s  f . 

view  of  the  urideviating  fleadinefs  of  the  divine  coiinfels  !  Hd 
Willeth  and  none  can  let  it  ;  hraven  and  cartn  may  pafs  away, 
but  his  word  mall  not  pafs  away,  but  every  one  come  to  pals 
in  his  feafori. 

Mary  having  been  referred  to  her  coufin  Elizabeth,  whofc 
advanced  ftate  of  pregnancy  was  to  be  an  additional  confirma- 
tion of  her  own  faith  in  the  promifes  of  God,  as  foon  as  the  an- 
gel dcpaned  f'ora  her,  retired  from  Nazareth  into  the  hill 
country  of  Juda  to  falute  her  kmfwoman,  and  to  confer  with 
her  on  the  feveral  maniteftations  of  divine  tavor  to  them. 
This  interview  produced  another  declaration  or  the  intercft 
that  providence  took  in  the  event  which  was  pretTmg  to  its 
accomplimment  ;  Elizabeth  is  not  only  deftined  to  be  a  moth- 
er in  lfrael,  a  mother  of  John  the  Baptift,  but  fhe  becomes  al- 
ready a  prophetefs  ;  (he  has  a  figti  given  her  in  her  own  perfon 
equivalent  to  the  declaration  of  the  Archangel.  "  And  it 
came  to  pafs,  that  when  Elizabeth  heard  the  fahration  of  Ma- 
ry, the  babe  leaped  in  her  womb  ;  and  Elizabeth  was  filled 
with  the  Holy  Ghoft :  and  fhe  fpake  out  with  a  loud  voice, 
and  faid,  blefled  art  thou  among  women,  and  blelfed  is  the' 
fruit  of  thy  womb.  And  whence  is  this  to  me,  that  the  moth- 
er or  my  Lord  mould  come  to  me  ?  For,  lo,  as  foOn  as  the 
voice  or  thy  falutation  founded  in  mine  ears,  the  babe  leaped 
in  my  womb  for  joy.  And  blefled  is  fhe  that  believed  ;  for 
there  fhall  be  a  performance  of  thofe  things  which  were  told 
her  from  the  Lord."  This  fills  the  virgin's  mouth  with  a 
long  of  praife  dictated  by  faith,  piety,  humility  and  gratitude  ; 
and  thefe  are  the  rapturous  {trains  which  flow  from  her  lips, 
M  My  foul  doth  magnify  the  Lord,  and  my  fpirit  hath  rejoiced 
in  God  my  Saviour.  For  he  hath  regarded  the  low  eflate  of 
his  hand-maiden  :  for^  behold,  from  henceforth  all  generations 
fhall  call  me  blelTed.  For  he  that  is  mighty  hath  done  to  me 
great  things  j  and  holy  is  his  name.  And  his  mercy  is  on 
them  that  tear  him,  from  generation  to  generation.  He  hath 
fhewed  ftrength  with  his  arm  :  he  hath  fcattered  the  proud  in 
the  imagination  of  their  hearts.  He  harh  put  down  the  mighty 
from  their  feats,  and  exalted  them  of  low  degree.  He  hath 
filled  the  hungry  with  good  things  :  and  the  rich  he  hath  frnt 
empty  away.  He  hath  holpen  his  fervant  lfrael,  in  remem- 
brance of  his  mercy  ;  as  he  fpake  to  our  fathers,  to  Abraham < 
and  to  his  feed  forever." 

The  courfe  of  nature  now  takes  place,  and  he  who  mane 
fnan,  the  firfl  man  Adam,  perteft  at  once,  from  duff  of  the 
ground,  and  who  is  able  oi  thefe  ilones  to  raiie  up   childrr 

H:  Abraham, 


£g  to  I  STORY   at  [Le£t.  %t 

'Abraham,  raifes  up  firft  John  and  then  Jefus  in  a  way  at  once 
miraculous,  and  natural,  according  to  the  way  ot  fovereign,  ir* 
refifrible  power,  and  according  to  the  time  of  life.  Glorious 
in  eftabliming  and  fupporting  the  laws  ot  nature,  glorious  in 
fufpendingand  difpenfing  with  them,  we  behold  thee,  O  God,, 
fubduing  a!!  things  to  the  counfel  of  thy  will,  that  all  fhould 
be  to- the  praife  ot  thy  glory.  At  the  end  ot  three  months 
more,  Elizabeth,  as  it  was  predicted  of  the  angel,  is  delivered 
of  a  fon- ;  the  name  of  John,  as  the  heavenly  melTenger  di- 
rected, was  impofed  on  him,  the  father's  fpeech  was  fuddenly 
reilored.  and  the  firlt  ule  which  he  makes  of  it  is  to  celebrate 
the  high  praifes  ot  that  God,  who  had  made  him  fuch  an  illuf- 
trious  example  of  both  mercy  and  judgment.  He  "  wa-  filled 
with  the  Holy  Ghoft  and  prophsfied,  faying,  BleiTed  be  the 
Lord  God  of  Ifrael  ;  for  he  hath  vifited  and  redeemed  his 
people.  And  hath  raifed  up  an  horn  of  falvation  for  us  in  the 
houfe  of  his  fervant  David  ;  as  he  fpake  by  the  mouth  of  his 
holy  prophets,  which  have  been  fince  the  world  began  ;  that 
we  fhould  be  faved  from  our  enemies,  and  from  the  hand  of  all 
that  hate  us  ;  to  perform  the  mercy  promifed  to  our  fathers, 
and  to  remember  his  holy  covenant,  the  oath  which  he  (ware 
to  our  father  Abraham,  that  he  would  grant  unto  us,  that  we, 
being  delivered  out  of  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  might  fervc 
him  without  fear  in  holinefs  and  righteoufnefs  before  him,  all' 
the  days  of  our  life.  And  thou,  child,  malt  be  called  the  Proph- 
et of  the  Higheil  :  for  thou  fhalt  go  before  the  face  ot  the' 
Lord  to  prepare  his  ways  ;  to  give  knowledge  of  falvation  un- 
to his  people,  by  the  rernifiion  of  their  fins,  through  tke  ten- 
der mercy  of  our  God  :  whereby  the  dayfpring  from  on  high 
hath  vifited  us,  to  give  light  to  them  that  fit  in  darknefs, 
and  in  the  (hadow  of  death,  to  guide  our  feet  into  thefway  of 
peace." 

And  now  the  way  is  prepared,  the  voice  is  heard  crying  ia 
the  wildernefs,  the  forerunner  of  the  Lord  has  begun  his 
courfe,  the  Saviour  comes.  But  other  mefTengers,  of  whom 
we  have  not  yet  heard,  precede  him.  Behold  yonder  comet 
glare  in  the  eaftern  fky,  it  performs  a  track  untrodden  before, 
the  wife  men  of  diitant  lands  are  fummoned  to  meet  hira  at 
his  coming,  to  lay  their  gifts  at  his  feet ;  Auguftus  Cefar,  the 
fble  regent  of  half  the  globe,  is  prefTcd  into  the  miniftering 
train,  an  unconfeious,  unintentional  fervant  to  the  Prince  ot 
the  kings  of  the  earth. 

But  here  we  muff  once  more  paufe  and  inquire,  Is  this  a 
cunningly  deviled  fable,  or  a  real  hifiory  ?  Is  it  a  fanciful  rep- 

telentfttioBfe 


Lech   V\]  JESUS   CHRIST.  59 

refentation,  or  the  fimple  truth  ?  If  it  be  a  fine  tiflue  woven 
by  a  luxuriant  imagination,  fay  fo  at  once,  unbeliever,  and  re- 
nounce the  fiction  in  whole,  as  a  rule  of  faith,  or  as  a  ground 
of  hope.  Say  unrefervedly  that  the  milfion  and  meffage  of 
the  angel  is  merely  a  bold  eafhrn  metaphor  :  and  the  whole 
mere  ordinary  facis,  related  with  fomewhat  more  than  ihe  urn- 
al  pomp  of  diction,  but  to  let  forth  only  a  man  ot  like  pallioiis 
-with  ourfelves,  whom  the  credulous,  prejudiced  and  illiterate 
are  difpofed  to  receive  as  a  fuperior  being — In  a  word,  give 
up  the  evangelifts  as  plain  men  conveying,  to  plain  men  like 
ihemfe-ives,  fimple  matters  of  fact,  and  recur  ar  once  to  unmix- 
ed, undifguifed  deifm.  But  are  thefe  things  indeed  fo  ? 
Were  angels  fent  from  God  to  declare  the  approach  ol  what 
prophets  had  of  old  predicted  ?  Did  the  Son  of  the  Higheft 
vouchfafe  tobe  born  of  a  Woman, and  thereby  become  partaker 
of  fiefh  and  blood,  David's  fon,  yet  David's  Lord,  then  let  earth 
prepare  to  receive  its  king.  Lo,  the  angels  of  God  worfhip 
him.  He  is  the  Son  of  God,  he  is  our  Lord,  and  let  us  wor- 
ship him. 

This  hiftory  aflifts  us  in  corre&ng  the  falfe  fcale  of  human 
grcatnefs.  Mere  we  behold  the  princes  and  the  potentates  o!  this 
world  finking  to  their  proper  level  ;  Herod,  Auguftus  Gefar, 
and  perfons  of  their  character  and  ftation  are  thrown  into  the 
back  ground  of  the  piece,  while  Zacharias,  Elizabeth  and  Ma- 
ry are  brought  forward  with  honour,  and  to  fill  a  higher  des- 
tination than  that  of  kings.  Refpect,  by  all  means,  the  powers 
that  are,  as  the  ordinance  of  God,  but  refpect  with  higher,  with 
l'upreme  veneration,  Him  who  ordained  them,  to  carry  on  the 
purpofes  of  his  wifdom  and  his  love. 

Learn,  Chriltian,  to  make  a  juft  eftimate  of  thy  own  im- 
portance in  the  fcale  of  being.  Thou  art  a  creature  of  God, 
formed  after  his  image,  a  partaker  of  immortality,  de dined  to 
glory  and  honour.  An  origin  fo  dignified  confers  true  nobil- 
ity ;  faculties  fo  fuperior,  profperts  fo  extended,  denote  a  be- 
ing of  high  eftimaiion  in  the  fight  of  God,  and  who  ought  to 
be  of  high  eitimation  in  his  own  eyes.  Defile  not  that  fair 
temple,  difcredit  not  that  illuflrious  defcent,  difhouour  not  a 
father's  name.  But  well  does  it  become  a  creatine  To  depend- 
ent, fo  frail,  fo  fallen,  fo  loft,  to  be  clothed  with  humility;  O 
man,  thou  fiindeft  in  need  ot  every  thing  ;  what  poffeffe ft  thou 
that  thou  didft  not  firft  receive  ?  Thou  haft  hern  forgiven 
all  ;  by  the  grace  of  God  thou  art  what  thou  art.  The  reli- 
gion of  Jefus  Chrift  alone  effectually  teaches  aman  to  defcend* 
without  degradation,  and   to  rife  without  pride  ;  reduces   him 

to 


6q  history  of  [Left.  v. 

to  the  level  of  his  natural  guilt  and  mifery,  and  exalts  him  t& 
the  glorious  liberty,  and  the  heavenly  inheritance  of  the  fons 
or  God. 

We  have  here  a  preternatural,  a  miraculous  conception. 
It  reminds  us  of  our  common  origin,  of  our  common  feeble- 
nefs,  ot  our  mutual  connexion  and  dependence.  God  "  hath 
rnade  of  one  blood  all  nations  oi'  men,  for  to  dwell  on  all  the 
lace  of  the  earth."  Every  man  therefore  is  a  brother,  and 
bound  to  entertain  the  affections,  and  to  perform  the  part  of  a. 
near  kinfman  to  every  man.  This  confederation  I  prefs  upon 
you  in  the  words  and  the  fpirit  of  the  Apoflle  of  the  Gentiles  : 
•'  For  I  fay,  through  the  grace  given  unto  me,  to  every  man. 
that,  is  among  you,  noi  to  think  of  himfeli  more  highly  than  ha 
ought  to  think  ;  but  to  think  foberly,  according  as  God  hath 
dealt  to  every  man  the  meafure  of  faith.  For,  as  we  are  ma- 
ny members  in  one  body,  and  all  members  have  not  the  fame 
office  :  fo  we  being  many  are  one  body  in  Cbrift,  and  every 
one  members  one  of  another.  Having  then  gifts,  diffenng 
according  to  the  grace  that  is- given  to  us,  whether  prophecy^ 
let  us  propriety  according  to  the  proportion  of  faith  ;  Or  min- 
iflry,  let  us  wait  on  our  miniitering  ;  or  he  that  teacheth,  on 
teaching  ;  Or  he  that  exhorteth,  on  exhortation  :  he  that  giv- 
eth,  let  him  do  it  with  fimplieity  ;  he  that  nil  th,  with  dili- 
gence ;  he  that  fheweth  mercy  with  cheerf  ulnefs.  Let  love 
be  without  difiimuJation.  iVbhor  that  which  is  evil,  cleave  to. 
that  which  is  good.  Ee  kindly  affeftioned  one  to  another 
with  brotherly  love  ;  in  honour  preferring  one  another  !" — 
"  Rejoice  with  them  that  do  rejoice,  and  weep  with  them  that 
weep.  Be  of  the  fame  mind  one  towards  another.  Mind 
not  high  things,  but  condefcend  to  men  of  low  eftate"— "  If  it 
be  poflible,  as  much  as  lieth  in  you,  live  peaceably  with  all 
men."  "  Be  not  overaome  of  evil,  but  overcome  evil  with 
good." 

The  fubject  of  the  next  Le&ure  will  be  the  hiftory  of  the 
nativityj  of  our  bleiTed  Lord,  and  of  the  more  remarkable 
circumflances  which  accompanied  that  all-important  event. 
May  what  has  been  fpoken  become  "  profitable  for  doclrine, 
for  reproof,  for  correction,  and  for  inftruction  in  righteouf- 
nefs."    Amen. 


LECTURE 


j^a.  VI. J  JESUS    CHRIST-  6| 


L  E  C  T  U  R  E      VI 


I  UKE,  II.  I  —  I4. 

*And  it  came  to  pafs  in  tkofe  (fays,  that  there  went  out  a  dec  ft 

from  Cefar  Aug  u/l us,  that  alt  the  world JhouUl  be  taxed,  (And 
this  taxing  was  firfl  made  **.  hen  Cyremus   was  governor    of 

Syria. J  And  all  went  to  be  taxed,  every  one  into  his  own 
city,  fnd  Jcfeph  alfo  went  up  from  Galilee,  out  of  the  city 
of  Nazareth,  into  Judea,  unto  the  city  of  David,  which,  is 
called  B  thlehem,  fbetau/e  he  was  of  the  hou/e  and  lineage  of 
David  J  to  be  taxed  uith  Mary  his  efpoufid  wife,  being 
great  with  child.  And  fo  it  was.,  that  while  they  were  there, 
the  days  were  accompli  fhed  thatJheJJiould  be  delivered.  And 
JJie  brought  forth  her  frfl-born  fon,  and  wrapped  him  in 
f  waddling- clothes,  and  laid  him  in  a  manger  ;  becauje  there 
was  no  room  for  than  in  the  inn.  And  th<rewere  in  the  fame 
country  fliepherds  abiding  in  the  field,  keeping  watch  ov^r 
their  flock  by  night.  And,  lo,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  came  up- 
on  them,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  [hone  round  about  them  ; 
and  they  were  fort  afraid.  Ah d  the  angel  fa^d  unto  thejn, 
Fear  not  :  For  behold  I  bring  you  good  tidings  of  great  joy, 
which  fhall  be  to  all  people,  For  unto  you  is  bom  this  day, 
in  the  city  of  D avid,  a  Saviour,  which  is  Chnjt  the  Lord. — 
And  th>.s  fhall  be  a  fign  unto  you  ;  yefliallfind  the  babe  wrap- 
ped in  jzoaddling  clothes,  lying  in  a  manger.  And  fuddenly 
there  was  with  the  angel  a  multitude  of  the  heavenly  hoff, 
praifing  God ,  and  faying,  glory  to  God  in  the  highefl%  and  on 
earth  peace, good  will   toward  men. 

T^ROM  the  firfl  inftant  of  time  until  now,  every  inflant  has 
-*-  been  difplaying  fome  new  wonder,  unfolding  lome  ncwde- 
fignoi  the  Eternal  mind.  God  gives  the  word.  Light  arifes, 
thCearth  emerges  out  of  ocean,  the  firmament  is  expanded, 
fun,  moon,  and  flars  appear,  nature  teems  with  life,  man  ftaits 
up  out  oi  the  dull,  rears  his  erect  form  to  heaven,  mines  in  his 
Maker's  likenels  ;  the  Creator  contemplates  the  progrefTive 
glories  of  his  power,  and  pronoances  every  thing  good.  The 
Lord  gives  the  word,  and  ocean  again  covers  the  earth,  Chaos 
and  ancient  night  refume  their  empire,  the  breath  of  ?very  liv- 
ing 


62  HISTORY  OF  [Left.  VI, 

sng  thing  expires.  Again  he  fends  forth  his  word,  the  win^ 
4ows  ot  heaven  are  ftopped,  the  feas  retire  to  their  appointed 
bed,  the  dry  land  appears,  the  bow  is  feen  in  the  cloud,  the 
Cgn  ot  God's  covenant  of  peace.  The  period  of  every  event  ie 
fettled  to  a  moment,  the  intlrument  is  provided,  the  hand  is  pre- 
pared. But  of  ail  the  events  which  have  taken  place  fmce  the 
beginning  of  the  wofld,  themoft  illuftrious  and  important  furely 
is  that  recorded  in  the  vf  ords  now  read.  The  moment  ot  eve- 
ry child's  birth,  is  highly  interefting,  at  leaft  to  the  mother.— 
The  birth  ot  an  heir,  to  a  title,  to  an  eilate,  to  a  crown,  is  felt 
by  thousands,  by  regions,  by  empires. 

Here  we  have  the  birth  ot  the  "  firlt among  many  brethren,'* 
of  "  the  heir  ot  all  things,"  of  "  the  Prince  of  the  kings  ot  the 
earth."  Toward  this  eventful  hour,  time,  from  the  fir  ft  dawn 
of  light,  began  to  flow  in  one  rifmg,  fwelling  tide,  here  it  came 
to  its  iulnefs,  and  hence  it  began  to  bend  its  awful  courfe  to 
lofe  itfelf  in  eternity  again.  Toward  this,  as  to  their  common 
central  point,  all  the  powers  of  nature  are  attracted  ;  from  this, 
as  from  the  tun  the  central  light  of  the  univerfe,  glory  is  in  all 
direclions^difTufed.  In  the  birth  ot  this  wonderful  child,  all 
the  children  of  men  who  lived  before,  or  who  arofe  after  it, 
have  a  ferious,  an  everlafting  concern.  Is  it  any  wonder,  then, 
that  by  fo  many  figns  in  heaven  and  figns  on  earth,  that 
by  the  tongues  of  prophets,  the  decrees  of  Princes,  the  revo- 
lution of  empires,  the  defcent  of  Angels,  the  finger  of  God 
mould  have  pointed  it  out  to  mankind  ? 

The  Evangelift,  at  the  beginning  ot  the  chapter,  conveys  us 
to  Rome,  the  proud  and  puiflant  miftrefs  of  the  world;  the  en- 
Haver  of  the  nations,  finking,  funk  herfelf  into  flavery.  From 
what  particular  motive  we  are  not  informed,  nor  is  it  of  much 
importance  to  determine,  Auguftus  Cefar  thought  proper  to 
jiTue  a  decree  tor  making  an  exacl  enrolment  of  all  the  fub- 
jech  of  his  vaft  empire.  A  vain-glorious  monarch,  who  could 
exultingly  call  a  fiibjiigated  hemifphere  his  own,  might  be 
prompted  by  pride  to  afcertain  the  number  of  flaves  deftined  to 
obey  him.  As  it  was  the  boaft  of  this  magnificent  prince  that 
he  had  found  Rome  a  city  ot  bricks,  and  was  leaving  it  a  city 
of  marble,  the  fplendour  of  the  capital  was  no  doubt  extracted 
out  ot  the  ruins  of  the  provinces,  and  enrolment  probably  was 
intended  to  precede  taxation.  However  it  was,  and  on  whom- 
foever  befide  the  decree  of  the  emperor  feJl,  it  affetf  ed  one  lit- 
tle, poor  family  in  circumftances  of  lingular  delicacy,  and  fel! 
upon  it  with  uncommon  feverity.  Behold  the  meffenger  ot 
Cefar  at  the  door  of  an  obfeure  carpenter  at  Nazareth  ot  Gali- 
lee, fummoning  him  with  all  his  family  to  repair  to  his  native 

citv. 


LtSi.  VI.]  JESUS    CHRIST,  6^ 

city,  to  be  enrolled  in  their  proper  diftrift  :  and  2s  the  com- 
mandments of  kings  require  hafte,  and  do  not  always  iloop  to 
confult  the  feelings  of  the  humble  and  the  miferable,  he  muffc 
depart  on  a  moment's  warning,  with  his  tender  companion 
now  in  the  laft  week  of  pregnancy,  poor  and  unprovided,  to 
a  home  from  which  he  had  been  long  exiled,  and  to  vifn  kinf- 
men  to  whom  he  had  become  a  (hanger. 

But  this  removal  was  wholly  ordered  by  the  fupreme  will  of 
Heaven.  The  Son  of  David,  who  was  to  re-efhblifh  his. 
throne,  could  be  born  no  where  but  in  Bethlehem  the  city  of 
David.  Thus  the  great  Ruler  of  the  world  had  willed,  and 
thus  prophecy  had  declared,  And  thus  Cefar  was  merely  the 
unconfcious,  unintentional  minifter  of  the  Son  of  Mary  ;  fur- 
niftiing  a  link  to  the  chain  of  evidence  refpecling  the  truth  and 
divine  original  of  Chriftianity,  and  exhibiting  an  illuftrious  in- 
itance  of  the  fovcreign  control  which  the  great  Jehovah  pof- 
fefles  and  exercifesover  the  counfels  of  princes,  theconvuifton 
of  nations,  the  fate  of  worlds. 

We  haften  from  proud  Rome  to  humble  Nazareth,  from  a 
haughty  defpot  to  uncomplaining  fufferers,  from  unfeeling 
power  to  patient  iubmiflion.  Behold  that  delicate  woman,  ia 
the  moft  delicate  and  interefting  of  all  female  fituations,  forced 
from  home,  conflrained  to  undertake  a  painful  and  anxioui 
journey  in  a  condition  which  rendered  eafe,  and  attention,  and 
tendernefs,  and  the  accommodations  of  fympathy,  peculiarly 
defirable.  See  her  advancing  by  flow  and  di  if  re  fling  flages 
towards  the  refidence  of  her  forefathers,  once  llluitrious,  but 
now  fallen  into  decay  ;  to  the  city  of  her  anceftors,  but  not  to 
receive  the  attendance  of  royal  ftate,  not  to  ufher  into  the  world 
the  heir  of  David's  throne,  amidft  the  prayers,  and  expecta- 
tions, and  kind  wifhes  of  the  myriads  of  Ifrael  :  no,  not  fo- 
much  as  to  enjoy  the  confolation  and  fupport  which  even  the 
poor  enjoy  in  fuch  a  cafe,  to  depofit  the  folicitudeof  approach- 
ing child-birth  in  the  bofom  of  a  fond  mother,  or  fympathiz- 
ing  friend  ;  alas,  not  even  to  partake  of  the  ordinary  conven- 
iences which  a  traveller  has  reafon  to  expect.,  the  general  hofpi- 
tality,  and  mercenary  comforts  of  an  inn  :— but  to  know  the 
heart  of  a  flranger,  to  fwallow  down  the  bitternefs  of  neglect 
to  feel  the  in  fait  of  the  proud,  and  the  mercilefs  pity  of  the 
mean.  "  There  was  no  room  for  them  in  the  inn."  Bethle- 
hem was  crouded  with  gueits,  but  lo,  the  lineal  heirs  of  the 
royal  houfe  of  Judah,  in  the  city  of  David,  are  fo  unconnected^ 
io  forlorn,  fo  friendleis,  that  not  a  door  will  open  to  let  them, 


64  HlsroRV  Ob  [Left,  vi. 

in,  not  a  tongue  fay  "  God  relieve  you"  as  they  pafs  by  ;  and 
fo  poor,  that  an  apartment  in  the  liable  is  all  the  accommoda- 
tion which,  by  intreaty,  or  promife,  or  by  prefenting  the  tacc 
of  mifery,  they  are  able  to  purchafe. 

The  inevitable  hour,  to  which  nature  at  once  looks  with 
hope  and  fhrinks  from  with  horror,  overtakes  her  ;  andunfup- 
ported,  unaflifted,  as  it  mould  feem,  (he  brings  forth  her  firff- 
born  Ton  ;  and  is  able  at  once  to  perform  the  earlierl  duties  of 
a  mother,  "  fhe  Wrapped  him  in  Twaddling  clot  hes,"  and  with 
the  humility  and  refignaion  becoming  her  deftitute  condition, 

laid  him  in  the  manger, "  leaving  it  to  Providence  to  unveil 
its  own  fccret  counfcis  and  accbmplijh  its  own  gracious  pur- 
pofes.  And  thus  the  Saviour  of  the  world  entered  upon  that 
ftate  of  depreffion,  poverty  andfuffering,  which  terminated  on- 
ly with  his  life. 

But  the  affectingly  humiliating  fc'ene  in  the  flable  at  Beth- 
Jehem  of  Judah  is  relieved  by  the  glory  of  the  Lord  mining 
round  about  it.  That  Babe  neglefcled,  unknown,  defpifed, 
outcaft  of  men,  is  declared,  by  the  concurring  teftimony  of 
patriarchs  and  prophets,  of  angels  and  men,  by  the  (baking  of 
the  heavens  and  the  earth,  of  the  fea  and  the  dry  land,  to  be 
*'  the  Son  of  the  Higher!."  His  parentage,  his  name,  the 
time  and  place  of  his  birth,  the  condition  of  his  infant  hours 
have  all  the  feal  of  heaven  upon  them.  For  what  end  did  Ifai- 
ah  prophefy,  Alexander  conquer,  and  Auguftus  give  laws,  but 
to  point  out  to  the  world  the  in  Man  t,  the  fpot,  the  defcent,  the 
eftate  ifl  which  the  Son  of  God  afiumed  our  nature,  in  order  to 
enter  on  the  work  of  our  redemption. 

Preparation  is  making  in  another  quarter  of  the  globe,  to 
bring  a  tribute  of  praiie  to  the  Redeemer  of  mankind.  The 
Eaft  is  ready  to  contribute  its  gifts,  is  preparing  its  gold  and 
Iran  kin  e'en' fe  and  myrrh  to  lay  them  at  his  feet.  The  wife  meri 
of  diftant  nations,  occupied  in  the  ftudy  of  nature,  and  atten- 
tive  to  the  figns  of  the  times,  are  awaked  to  inquiry  by  a  filenf. 
but  fhining  monitor.  The  appearance  of  the  flarry  heavens 
was  well  known  to  them,  they  can  calculate  the  diftances  and 
revolutions  of  each  little  ftar  that  fparkles  in  the  expanfe  oi 
heaven  ;  but  in  a  moment  all  their  fcience  is  confounded,  all 
their  experience  is  overthrown,  by  the  appearance  of  a  new' 
created  light,  in  motion  and  at  reft  by  a  law  peculiar  to  itfelf, 
to  fulfil  a  tranfitory  indeed,  hut  a  mod  important  purpofe,  and 
which  having  pointed  to  "  the  place  where  the  young  child 
Jay,"  is  blotted  out  of  nature,  and  difappears  for  ever. 

Now  none  of  "  thefe  things  were  done  in  a  corner."  Chrif- 

tianiiy 


Le£l.  vi. ]  uschri  65 

<ianity  did  not  iteal  in  upon  the  world,   without  Warning  ;  all 
characters  and  defcri prions  of  men  were  called  in  to  give  teiti- 
mony   to  it,  and  without   acquaintance,   concurrence,    or   co- 
operation they  eftablifh  the  fame  truth.     Th e  eastern  Magi  on 
their  arrival  at  Jerufalermand  on  explaining  the  reafon  or  their 
journey  thither,  are  not  treated  as  vifionaries,  who  dreamed  ok 
things  that  never  exifted,  but  arc  liftened  to   ancl    refpefcted    as 
reaionable  men  inquiring  after  important  tru.h.     The  attention 
of  Herod,  and  of  all  Jerufalem    with  him,  is  roufed  ;  tha»  jeal- 
ous and  languinary  tyrant,  takes  every  precaution,  fets  on  toot 
every  inquiry  that  his  reigning  paflioris  could  fuggeft,   to   elu- 
cidate the  cafe  ;  to  fecure  polTeihon    to   himfelf,  and    to  crufh 
every  rival.     He  fummons  the  chief  prhfts   and  fcribes  of  ihe 
people,  confults  them  refpeclingthe  determinations  of  proph- 
ecy, as  to  the  birth  place  of  the  expected  King  ot  the  Jews,  he 
compares  their  opinion  with  the  report  of  the  wife  men,  and  acls 
upon  the  refultot  thatcompanfon.  A  coincidence  of  perfons  and 
circumftancesfo  linking,  and  all  relating  to  one  perfon  andone 
point,    mult  lead  to  the  acknowledgment  and  adoration  of  that 
God,  in  whofe  hand  are  the  hearts  of  princes,  the  deliberations 
ot  councils,  the  number  and  motions  of  all  the  hoft  ot  heaven. 
*'  He  telleth  the  number  ot  the  liars  ;   he  calleth  them   all   by 
their  names  ;  great  is  our  Lord  and  ot   great   power;  his   un- 
derstanding is  infinite."     Augultus  Cefar,   Herod     the    Magi, 
the  Jewifh  Sanhedrim,  the  inhabitants  of  Bethlehem,  ot  Jeru- 
falem, all  concur  to  give  witnefs  to  yonder  babe  laid  in  a  man- 
ger, and  they  involuntarily  a  Hi  ft  in  demonllrating  'he  certain- 
ty of  thofe  things  wherem  ye   have    been   inftruhrd  :  that  ye 
might  have  ilrdng  confolation  in  having  fled  for  lefuge   to  the 
hope  fet  before  you. 

But  higher  teftimony  ftill  than  that  of  the  potentates  ot  the 
earth  is  given  to  the  Lord  ot  glory.  Angels  defcend  with 
fongs  10  meet  him  at  his  coming  ;  the  gloom  ot  night  is  d.f- 
peli-ed  by  celellial  radiance  ;  Silence,  wel'-pleafed,  hears  the 
Iweet  melody  of  angelic  notes  chanting  the  glid  tidings  ot 
great  joy,  "  unto  you  is  born  this  day.  in  the  city  ot  David,  a 
Saviour  which  is  Chriit  the  Lord."  The  harmony  of  a 
thoufand  heavenly  voices  in  chorus  join,  to  celebrate  the  ad- 
vent of  the  Prince  ot  Peace;  to  announce  to  a  numbering 
world  Him  in  whole  light  they  fhme,  by  whole  power  they 
are  fupported,  in  whofe  praife  they  unite,  to  whofe  will  they 
are  devoted.  What  a  wonderful  contrail  !  A  defi  rted,  trie  id- 
lefa  mother,  a  hetplets  infant,  a  ftable,  a  manger  !  Whai  bu- 
mtliation  like  this  humiliation  !  A  throne  above  the  heavens, 
'j'jmajje  of  pii  1  ..  .  ■  eff\iJ$tnce  Qfa  Bar  to  mark  tfce  w  iy 
1  f 


&&  history  or  [Left.  vi„ 

to  his  cradle,  the  adoration  of  the  glorious  hoft-  of  heaven,  the 
arm  of  the  Lord  revealed  !  What  defign  but  the  falvation  of  a 
loft  world,  what  event  but  the  birth  of  a  Saviour,  what  perfon 
but  the  Son  of  God,  could  warrmt  all  this  difplay  of  majefty 
and  might  ?  Chriftian,  keep  thefe  aftonifhing  extremes  con- 
tinually in  fig;  t.  This  is  bone  ot  our  bone,  an;  flefli  of  our 
flelh  ;  "  as  children  are  partakers  of  flefli  and  blood  he  like- 
wife  him-felf  alfo  took  part  of  the  fame  ;  verily  he  took  not  on 
him  the  nature  of  angels,  but  the  feed  of  Abraham.  In  all4 
things  it  behoved  him  to  be  made  like  unto  his  brethren,  that 
he  might  be  a  merciful  and  faithful  high  prieft,  in  things  per- 
taining to  God,  to  make  reconciliation  lor  the  fins  of  the  peo- 
ple ;  for  in  that  he  himfeif  hath  fuflfered  being  tempted,  he  is 
able  to  fuccour  them  that  are  tempted."  The  fubjett  teaches 
us, 

1.  How  incompetent  judges  we  are  of  the  ways  and  works 
of  God.  Few  events,  it  any,  cortefpond  to  our  preconceived 
opinions  of  them  From  the  glimmering  that  we  ha<<e,  with- 
out any  light  at  all  fave  :he  fparks  of  our  own  kindling,  we 
take  upon  us  to  arrange  and  decide,  and  to  limit  the  holy  one 
of  Ifrael.  Like  Naaman  the  Svrian,  we  have  fettled  the  mode 
of  cure  in  our  own  mind,  drefTed  it  in  proper  parade  and  cere- 
mony, and  fall  out  with  the  prophet  becaufe  the  fimplicity  of 
the  procefs  confounds  the  airy  vifion  with  which  our  imagina- 
tion had  amuied  itfelf.  Not  knowing  the  fcriptures  nor  'he 
power  ot  God,  the  carnal  Jews  had  drefled  out,  for  Medi- 
an the  prince  a  throne  like  Solomon's,  of  ivory  overlaid  with 
gold,  had  placed  him  at  the  head  of  armies,  had  furrounded  him 
with  yuaids  had  crowned  him  with  laurels.  When  the  event 
belied  their  groundiefs  expectations,  with  Naaman  they  turned 
away  in  a  rage,  faying,  {l  Are  not  Abana  and  Pharpar,  livers  of 
Damafcus,  better  than  all  the  waters  of  Ifrael  V*  "  Away  with 
this  man,  crucify  him,  not  this  man  but  Barabbas." 

2.  Obfeive  here  in  how  many.inftances  God  writeth  vani- 
ty on  all  the  glory  of  man.  In  the  pride  of  their  hearts,  the 
princes  and  potentates  here  mentioned,  vainly  imagined  a 
proftrate  world  to  be  alltheirown.  Every  will  muft  bend  to 
theirs  ;  to  their  pleafure  every  power  and  pofTeiTion  muft  min- 
ifler  ;  all  the  while  they  are  the  mere  attendants  on  the  royal 
fiatc  of  the  real  Prince.  Their  names  are  indeed  fome  of  them 
{fill  had  in  remembrance,  but  their  power  is  annihilated,  their 
confequence  is  fwallowed  up,  or  if  any  remain,  it  is  derived 
from  the  relation  which  it  bears  to  the  fuperior,  the  command- 
ing, the  undiminished  importance  ot  Him  to  whom  they  gave 
witnefs,  and  whole  ftate,  in  fpite  ot  themfelves,  they  continue 

i-  to 


Left.  VI.]  JESUS   CHRIST.  67 

to  fupport.  The  empire  of  Auguftas  fpeedily  fell  under  its 
own  weight,  and  the  downfal  of  Rome  quickly  followed  that 
of  Jerufalem,  and '>oth  approved  the  truth  and  power,  and 
juftice  of  God  :  while  that  child  born,  that  Saviour  given, 
holds  Undivided  empire,  and  exercifes  unbounded  fway. 
Eighteen  centuries  have  confirmed,  not  fhaken  his  authority, 
and  time  has  dicovcred  another  hemifphere,  Jar  more  exren- 
five  than  the  former,  and  added  it  to  his  dominion.  Let  us 
again  fing,  "  His  name  (hall  endure  for  ever  His  name  fhall 
be  continued  as  long  as  the  fun  :  aid  men  (hall  be  bleffed  in 
him  ;  all  nations  fliall  call  him  blefTed.  Bleliedbe  the  Lord 
God,  the  God  of  Ifrael,  who  only  doth  wondrous  things  ;  and 
blefTed  be  his  glorious  name  for  ever,  and  let  the  whole  earth 
be  filled  with  his  glory."     Amen  and  Amen. 

Auguftus,  in  the  pride  of  his  heart,  and  an  abjeel  world  in 
flattery  to  him,  prefixed  his  name  to  the  age  in  which  he  liv- 
ed—and let  this  piece  of  vanity  have  its  fcope.  With  the 
claflical,  philofophic  feholar,  let  the  Auguftan  age  boaft  of  a 
Cicero,  a  Virgil,  a  Livy,  a  Maecenas  ;  the  humble  chriffian 
will  rather  glory  in  its  having  produced  light  from  heaven, 
which  eclipfed  al.l  human  eloquence  and  wildom  in  their  high- 
eft  fplendor,  and,  resigning  to  the  fchoolstheir  favourite  hifto- 
rians,  orators  and  poets,  will  rejoice  in  revolving  in  their  place 
the  hallowed  page  of  Luke,  the  beloved  phyfician,  and  in  lift- 
ening  to  the  fervid,  native,  inartificial  eloquence  of  Paul  of 
Tarfus,  and  above  all,  in  attending  to  the  dignified  wifdom 
which  flowed  from  the  lips  of  him  who  "  fpake  as  never  man 
fpake." 

3.  Finally,  this  wonderful  child  born  teaches  us  the  value 
and  importance  of  little  children.  What  human  fagacity  could 
penetrate  the  thick  cloud  which  fhrouded  his  nativity  ?  What 
but  the  fpirit  of  prophecy  could  draw  afide  the  veil  which  con- 
cealed his  future  eminence  ?  Who  but  a  Simeon  could  difcera 
in  him  the  falva.tion  of  God,  and  foretel  that  "  this  child  was 
let  for  the  fall  and  rifing  again  of  many  in  Ifrael  ;  and  for  a 
fjgn  which  Ihould  be  fpoken  againft  ?"  And  who  but  He  who 
a'  declareth  the  end  fcrom  the  beginning,  and  fromancient  times 
the  things  that  are  not  yet  done,  faying,  My  counfdjlialljlind, 
and  I  will  do  all  my  pteafure  ;"  who  but  He  knows  what  the 
infant,  now  drawing  its  full  breath,  is  one  day  to  become  ? 
What  dormant  powers  may  there  lie  hid  !  What  a  germ  of 
wifdom  ready  to  expand  !  What  godlike  faculties,  which  are 
at  length  to  affonifh,  to  delight,  to  blefs  mankind  !  Watch  o- 
ver  the  expanfion.  The  precious  feed  is  fown  by  the  hand  of 
the  Creator.     Mark  its  fpringing  ;  mark    its   progrefs.     God 

has- 


68  HISTORY.  OB  [<U£t,.  VU 

has  done  IiTs.  p,ar^,  parent,  matter,  miniver,  fee  that  thou  do&, 
thine.  "  It  is  not  the  will  of  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven*' 
that  one  oi  thefe  little  ones  mould  perifh." 

The  next  Lefture  will  have  for  its  fubjeft  the  hiilory  oi  the 
infancy  and  childhood  of  jjefus  Chriit  May  he  who  conde- 
scended to  become  a  little  child  tor  our  fakes;  who,  as  Hs 
"  vyent  about  doing  good,"  encouraged  the  approach  of  little 
children,  faying,  "  lufferthem  and  forbid  them  not  to  come 'in* 
to  me  :  for  of  i'uch  is  the  kingdom  of  God  :"  may  he  blefs  us. 
with  the  fpirit  of  adoption,  and  endow  us  with  the  lovely  fim~ 
plicity,  the  docility,  the  fubmiflivenefs  of  little  children,  that" 
we  may  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven.    Amen. 


LECTURE 


£,eft.  yij.]  jesus  chiust. 


LECTURE    VII. 


lui;e,  ii.  40. 

And  the  child grezv,  and  waxed  flrong  infpirit,  filled  zuith  wif- 
dom  ;  and  the  grace  oj  God  was  upon  him. 

OF  a]l  the  wonders  prefented  to  us  In  the  woild  of  nature, 
man  is  the  greateft  wonder  to  himfelf.  His  body  dud  of. 
the  ground,  and  mouldering  back  to  duff  ;  reduced  to  the  lev- 
el of  the  beafts  of  the  field  ;  but  that  duft  animated  with  the 
breath  of  life,  a  living  foul,  exalted  to  the  rank  of  angels,  an 
emanation  from  God  himfelf.  In  him  are  blended,  in  a  moft 
wonderful  manner  three  dillinft  kinds  of  life,  fanning  one 
glorious  individual  formed  •'  after  the  image  of  Him  who 
creat-d  him."  As  the  tree  in  the  toreft  imperceptibly  nfes,  in- 
creafes  from  lownefs  and  feeblenefs  to  ftattlinefs  and  ftrength, 
and  having  attained  full  maturity  imperceptibly  decays,  lo  the 
feeble  infant  gradually  increafes  in  ftature.  changes  the  grovel- 
ling into  the  erect  form,  rears  his  head  to  the  vault  of  heaven, 
exulting  in  the  greatnefsot  his  ftrength  ;  he  begins  to  verge 
towards  decay,  he  bends  to  the  ground  from  whence  he  was 
taken,  and  a:  length  finks  into  it  again.  But  he  is  not  like  the 
plant  rivetted  to  one  fpot.  unconicious  of  exigence,  incapable 
of  felf  motion.  With  the  other  animals  around  him,  he  feeis 
hi  mi  elf  umong  his  fellows,  he  rejo  ces  in  fociety.  he  poiTelTes 
confeioufnefs,  he  is  directed  by  motives,  he  aims  at  a  determin- 
ate end.  But  he  is  not  like  the  beafts  that  peritn,  impelled 
"by  inftinfcl  merely,  the  fla\e  of  appetite  and  {eni'c.  To  the  an- 
imal, the  goodnefs  of  ihe  Creator  has  fuperadded  the  rational 
life,  the  faculty  of  contemplating  that  great  univerfe  of  which 
he  conftitutesa  part  fo  eflential,  the  capacity  or  ritihg  from  the 
effect  to  the  caufe,  from  the  work  to  the  Author  :  Man  en 
the  gift  of  fpeech,  whereby  he  is  rendered  capaM"  of  commu- 
nicating bis  reflections  and  reafonings,  of  forming  cot! 
tions  of  power  which  awe,  control,  and  diiect  the 
world. 

To  mark  the  prourefs   of  a  human    being    is    an  inrerefting 
and  delightful  employment  — to  obferve  how  the  limb    . 
jirmnefs  and  ftrength,  how  tke  mental   powers  unfold    I 

felves, 


£0  HISTORY  OF  £Lec*t.  »1L 

lelves,  and  ail  the  padionsof  the  man,  in  fucceffion,  ftancl  con- 
fefTed.  See  the  fond  mother  bending  with  delight  over  hei? 
infant,  at  firfl  a  littje  pliant  lump  of  animated  clay,  every  pow- 
;er  lying  dormant  fave  one,  that  of  drawing  its  nourifh- 
ment  from  her  breaff.  By  and  by  the  eye  begins  to  feel  and 
follow  the  1-ght,  the  flender  neck  ftrengthens  and  fuftains  the 
reclining  head  ;  the  babe  Imiies,  and  the  parent's  heart  is  over- 
whelmed wjth  joy.  Now  he  can  diftinguifh  the  face  of  her 
that  fuckles  him  from  that  of  a  Granger,  a-  leafl  (he  flatters  her- 
felf  he  can,  while  the  fbft  murmur  of  infantine  fatisfa£fion  ex- 
preffes  his  gratitude.  The  figure  by  degrees  becomes  ere£l, 
every  limb  is  in  motion,  the  uncertain  tongue  attempts  to  imi- 
tate the  lounds  which  llrike  the  opening  ear,  and  tiie  ieet  prefs 
downward  to  the  fupporting  earth  ;  tremblingly  he  totteis  into 
walking,  and  Hammers  into  fpeech.  The  powers  of  recohec- 
tion  and  comparing  appear,  the  fymptoms  of  pafli  >n  become 
vifible,  love  and  averfion,  defire  and  gratitude.  The  moral 
fenfe  at  length  begins  to  dawn,  and  the  man  in  miniature  finds 
himfelf  a  limited,  dependent,  fubject,  accountable  being  ;  hence 
hope  and  fear,  felf-complacency  and  remorfe. 

We  are  this  evening  to  contemplate  infancy  and  childhood 
in  their  lovelieft  and  moft  attractive  form,  and  in  their  moft 
interefting  and  affecting  circumftances.  Look  yet  again  to 
Bethlehem  of  Judea,  and  behold  the  nothingnefs  of  human 
greatnefs  ;  the  offspring  of  kings  a  ftranger  in  his  paternal  city, 
the  heir  of  David  without  a  place  where  to  lay  his  head  a 
Sovereign  deftitute  of  all  things.  When  Qod,  at  the  fulnels 
of  time,  fent  forth  his  own  Son,  as  he  was  made  of  a  woman,  fo 
was  he  "  made  under  the  law,"  fubje&ed  to  all  its  rites  and 
reflraints  however  painful  and  humiliating,  and  the  Saviour  of* 
mankindi  that  he  might  fulfil  all  righteoufnefs,  and  become  a 
perfect  pattern  of  obedience,  nrft  paflively  fubmitted  to  every 
ordinance  of  religion,  and  then  by  an  active  and  exact  con- 
formity, magnified  the  law  and  made  it  honourable* 

The  minuter  circumftances  of  this  period  of  our  blefTed 
Lord's  life  are  not  left  on  record  ;  thofe  excepted  which  relate 
to  his  public  character  and  divine  million,  for  as  to  thefe 
Scripture  is  moft  exact  and  particular.  Of  the  progrefs  of  his 
infant  mind  no  traces  remain  ;  n-t  a  word  is  laid  even  of  the 
beauty  of  his  perfon  ;  though  the  general  terms  which  the 
Evangelifts  employ  warrant  us  in  thinking,  that  never  in  child 
born  of  a  woman  did  fu-ch  early  dawnings  oi  fuperior  wifdom 
appear,  that  never  was  human  form  io  perfect.  The  modefi 
referve  of  the  hiftorians  of  Jefus  Chrift,  in  this  refpect,  feems. 
to  miniftera  fevere  reproof  of  the  ridiculous  details  to  be  found, 

in 


left,  vii.]  jEsrrs  CHRIST,  y* 

irf  modern  biography,  ot  infantine  actions  and  fayings',  the 
fuppofed  prognoftics  of  future  eminence  and  diflinclion.  We 
can  forgive  a  fond  mother,  nay  love  her  the  more  for  the  amia- 
ble weaknefs,  when  we  hear  her  repeat  the  pretty  fayings,  in- 
terpret the  fig-nificant  looks,  and  defcribe  the  wonderful  deeds 
of  her  foul's  darling  ;  but  itexcite<  pity,  if  not  an  ungentler 
feeling,  to  be  told  gravely,  from  the  prefs,  of  the  infipid  noth- 
ings which  a  great  man  (aid  and  did,  when  he  was  an  ignorant, 
and  filly,  perhaps  a  pert  and  petulant  boy,  who  probably  merited 
correction  where  he  obtained  praife. 

Of  our  divine  Matter  we  are  told  what  was  done  to  him,  not 
what  he  did;  what  wasfaid  by  others,  concerning  him,  not  what 
he  laid  concerning  either  himfelf  or  others.  And  thus  was  he  early 
an  inftru6ior  of  parents  to  ab (tain  from  partial  and  excefTive  ad- 
miration ot  their  child,  en  and  to  little  children  to  cultivate 
modelty,  docility,  and  humblenefs  of  mind,  which  are  the  real 
ornament  and  honour  of  their  tender  age  Behold  in  him  then,- 
parents,  children,  a  helplefs  infant  at  the  difpofal  of  others.  It 
is  of  importance  to  the  world  to  know  that,  at  the  appointed" 
period,' the  terms  of  the  Abrahamic  covenant  were  complied 
with;  that  the  name  of  Jesus  was  given  him,  according  to  the 
direcfionof  the  angel;  that  as  the  firflborn  of  his  mother,  being 
facred  to  God,  he  was  folemnly  prefented  to  the  Lord  in  the 
temple  at  Jerufalem  ;  foi  thefe  things  admonilh  us  of  the  di- 
vine truth  and  taithfulnefs  in  keeping  covenant  and  promife 
with  his  people,  and  of  the  right  which  he  has  to  expect,  and 
require  taithfulnefs  and  obedience  on  their  part  ;  of  the  char- 
acter and  offices  annexed  to  that  facred,  precious  and  venera- 
ble name,  and  of  the  felt-dedication  which  not  the.  firfi-borrt 
only,  but  even  all  owe  unto  God.  On  theeigh  h  day,  .hen,  he 
was  circumcifed,  and  named,  according  to  the  commandment, 
and  on  the  fortieth  day  he  was  prefented  with  the  accuftorned 
offering  in  the  temple. 

Providence  lays  hold  of  'his  latter  occafion  to  procure  a  no- 
ble tellimony  to  the  high  rank  and  character  ot  the  Son  of 
God.  The  fpirit  ot  proohecy  had  lately  revived,  and1  many 
in  Jerufalem  were  "waiting  for  the  confolation  of  Ifrae!.M  and 
confidered  it  as  near  at  hand.  Ot  this  number  was  a  jufl  «nd 
devout  man  named  Simeon,  to  whom  it  was  communicated  by 
a  fpecial  revelation,  that,  oid  as  he  was,  his  eyes  fhouM  not  be 
clofed  in  death,  till  he  had  feen  the  Lord's  Chrift.  Heaven- 
directed  he  goes  up  to  the  temple,  probably  to  en1  real  the 
fpeedy  accomplilhment  of  this  gracious  promile,  at  the  very 
inftant  when  the  ceremony  of  the  law  was  performing,  and 
:hi  fpirit  that  was  upon  him  infiantly  points  to    Jelua   *s  the 

tiling 


J  J  HISTORY  OF  [Left.  Vlic 

fulfilling  of  the  word  in  which  God  had  caufed  him  to  hope. 
Filled  with  holy  joy  he  takes  the  expe&ed  child  into  his  arms, 
and  lilting  up  his  eyes  to  heaven,  blefles  God,  faying,  "  Lord, 
now  letteft  thou  thy  fervant  depart  in  peace,  according  to  thy 
word  :  for  mine  eyes  have  feen  thy  falvation,  which  thou  hall 
prepared  before  the  face  of  all  people  ;  a  light  to  lighten  the 
Gentiles  and  the  glory  of  thy  people  Ifrael."  He  then  points 
him  out  to  the  by  Zanders  as  the  perfon  fpokeh  of  by  ancient 
prophecy.  "  who  mould  be  fet  for  the  fall  and  rifing  again  of 
many  in  Ifrael,  and  for  a  (ign  which  mould  be  fpoken  againft;" 
a  predi6Ho'n  defcriptive  of  the  reception  the  Meffiah  mould 
meet  with  from  that  world  which  he  came  to  redeem.  The 
fame  important  truth  is  immediately  confirmed  by  an  ancient 
propbetefs,  who,  coming  in  the  inllant  Simeon  had  done 
fpeaking,  gave  public  thanks  likewife  unto  the  Lord,  and 
*'  fpake  of  him  to  ail  them  that  looked  tor  redemption  in  Je- 
rufalem." 

Thus  He,  whofe  birth-place  was  determined  many  ages  be- 
fore, by  prophetic  illumination,  whofe  natal  hour  was  announ- 
ced by  one  angel,  and  celebrated  by  a  multitude  of  the  heav- 
enly hoft  ;  to  whofe  feet  a  company  of  (hepherds  is  led,  with 
their  fimple  offering,  by  a  voice  from  heaven,  and  to  whom 
eaftern  fages  are  conducted  by  an  extraordinary  fiar,  is  in  the 
rnoft  public  place  of  refort  in  the  jewifh  metropolis,  declared 
aloud,  a  few  weeks  after  his  birth,  at  a  public  religious  fervice, 
by  teftimony  on  teftimony,  the  accomplishment  of  God's  great 
purpofe  of  mercy  to  mankind. 

While  fo  many  illuftrious  perforiages  were  producing  their 
concurring  evidence  to  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jefu%  exalting  hint 
to  endleft  honours  and  universal  dominion,  one  is  cruelly  plot- 
ting his  deftruction.  Agitated  by  jealoufy  as  groundlefs,  as  it 
was  barboufly  purfued,  Herod  determines  to  crufh  at  once 
this  pretender  to  a  throne,  whom  (o  many  fignal  and  fplendid 
appearances  in  heaven  and  earth  were  driving  to  difplay  in  fu- 
perior  glory.  To  make  fure  of  his  blow,  his  dark  remorielefs 
mind  enlarges  the  circle  of  fufpicion  from  a  few  days  to  two  years, 
and  from  a  fingle  feared,  hated  individual,  to  all  the  male  children 
of  a  great  city.  Humanity  fickens  at  the  thought  of  the  dread- 
ful tragedy  of  that  day,  when  "in  Rama  a  voice  was  heard* 
lamentation  and  weeping,  and  great  mourning^  Rachel,  weep- 
ing for  her  children,  and  refuting  to  be  comforted,  becaufe 
they  are  net."  By  aiming  at  too  much,  the  tyrant  milTes  his 
aim  altogether.  The  vigor  of  his  purfuit  exerted  in  one  direc- 
tion, confined  to  one  objeft,  might  have  overtaken  it  ;  but 
extending  the  fphere,  dividing  the  purfuit,   "  the  captive  of 

the 


Left,  vii.]  jesus  christ.  73 

the  mighty  is  taken  away,  and  the  prey  of  the  terrible  is  deliv- 
ered, for  thus  faith  the  Lord,  I  will  contend  with  him  that  con- 
tended with  thee"  And  how  was  this  deliverance  effected  ? 
Providence  employs  not  extraordinary  means,  to  fulfil  its  de- 
figns,  wantonly  and  unnecefTarily,  but  makes  ordinary  inftru- 
ments  to  produce  mighty  events.  The  bloody  intention  of 
Herod  is  hardly  conceived  in  the  gloomy  hell  of  his  own 
breaft ,  than  it  is  feen  of  that  eye  which  nothing  can  efcape, 
and  no  (boner is  it  {cen  than  prevented.  In  a  dream,  in  a  vif- 
ion  ot  the  night,  when  deep  deep  fallethon  men  Jofeph  is  ad- 
monifhed  of  the  danger  which  threatened  the  child's  lite,  and 
warned  to  fhun  it,  by  fleeing  into  Egypt.  Thus  at  every  ftage 
of  his  lite  was  the  Saviour  ot  mankind  hated  and  perfecuted  of 
men  ;  thus  the  all- wife  Ruler  of  the  Univerfe  knows  how  to 
deliver,  and  finds  a  way  to  efcape  ;  thus  He  "  confounds  the 
wifdom  of  the  wife,  and  brings  to  nought  the  understanding  of 
the  prudent." 

By  a  ftrange,  perhaps  unaccountable  direction  ot  the  fttprekius 
will,  the  land  of  Egypt  frequently  ferves  as  an  afylum  to  per- 
secuted goodnefs,  protects  and  chenfhes  the  precious  leed  of 
the  church.  Thither  Abraham  flees  from  the  pre  flu  re  of 
famine,  and  is  thence  difmiifed  with  riches  and  honour.  Here 
Jofeph  finds  refuge  from  the  malice  ot  jealous  and  cruel  broth- 
ers ;  from  hence  Jacob  and  his  itarving  family  are  repeatedly 
fed.  Here  fprung  up  Mofes,  in  t'mes  of  extreme  danger  and 
diftrefs  j  here  he  was  miraculously  preferved,  and  reared  to 
unexampled  eminence  and  ufetulnefs.  Here  Ifrael  mirac- 
uloufly  increales  into  a  great  nation,  and  from  Ik- nee  trium- 
phantly departs  ;  and  here,  finally,  He  whom  all  the  reft  pre- 
figured, and  in  whom  their  federal  glory  united  as  in  their 
centre,  fought  and  found  protection  from  the  rage  of  an  in- 
cenfed  king.  This  too  was  ordered  ot  Him  who  feeth  the  end 
from  the  beginning.  He  went  down  into  Egypt  that  in  his 
return  the  Scripture  might  be  fulfilled,  which  f.iith,  "  out  ot 
Egypt  have  I  called  my  Son."  Surely.  O  Lord  the  wrath 
ot  man  (hall  praifc  thee,  and  the  remainder  ot  wrath  thou 
"fhalt  reftrain." 

A  vail  is  drawn  over  the  fojourn  in  Egypt,  and  it  were  prc- 
fumption  to  attempt  to  draw  it  afide  :  neither  is  it  polhble  ex- 
actly to  afcertain  its  duration.  The  infamous  Hr-rod  mean- 
while paid  the  debt  of  Nature,  leaving  behind  him  a  name  load- 
ed with  the  execrations  of  the  age  in  which  he  lived,  and  with 
the  detestation  of  every  future  generation  to  which  the  hHlory 
of  his  enormities  fhall  defcend.  His  death  w  s  the  iignal  cit 
return  to  the  land  of  Ifrael ;  but  prudence  fuggefted  the  retire. 
K  merit 


•  ,v  history  op  [Left.  \ii: 

merit  of  the  poor  and  defpifed  town  of  Nazareth,  as  a  refidence 
more  fuitable  to  the  c i re um Ranees  of  the  times,  than  the  noife 
end  hurry  ot  a  metropolis,  the  feat  of  fa6f  ion  and  intrigue,  or 
the  fufpicioufly  obferved  city  of  David,  to  which  the  jealous 
eyes  of  fuccefiive  tyrants  bad  been  attrafcted  by  well  known 
prophecies  and  by  recent  portents. 

As  the  place  of  Chrift's  birth,  fo  that  of  his  up-bringing  was 
prophetically  marked,  not  indeed  by  any  particular  text 
that  appears  in  the  facred  code,  but  by  its  whole  fpirit  and  ten- 
or, which  reprefent  him  as  voluntarily  fubmitting  to  every 
ipecies  of  reproach  and  indignity;  the  carpenter's  fon,  a  Gali- 
lean, a  Nazarene,can  any  good  come  out  of  Nazareth  !  It  was 
in  this  obfeure  village,  ot  a  region  of  a  conquered  country, 
proverbially  contemptible,  that  the  childhood  of  Chrift  pafTed 
unfeen.  unnoticed  ot  the  great  world  *  but  caretully  obferved 
of  an  attentive  mother,  who,  to  the  tender  folicitudes  of  that 
relation,  was  infpired  with  hopes,  and  animated  with  profpects^ 
and  torn  with  anxieties  which  rro  mother  before  Or  fince  ever 
could  know;  there  this  wonderful  "  child  grew  and  waxed 
ftrong  in  fptrit,  filled  with  wifdom,"  exhibiting  unequivocal 
figns  of  a  fuperior  nature,  without  courting  the  public  notice, 
or  attraclmg  premature  homage  ;  and  thus  humility,  from  the 
beginning  and  throughout,  marked  the  charatter  of  the  con- 
defcending  friend  of  mankind,  who  became  of  no  reputation, 
fought  not  glory  of  man,  took  on  him  the  form  of  a"  fervant  • 
he  V  ftrives  not,  nor  cries,  neither  doth  he  lift  uphis  voice  in 
the  fireets  ;"  and  from  the  return  out  of  Egypt,  which  was 
probably  not  beyond  his  fecond  year,  up  to  the  twelfth,  hiftory 
is  entirely  filent  as  to  the  particulars — but  O  how  much  is 
conveyed  in  the  ftrong  general  terms  employed,  by  infpira- 
tion,  to  imprefs  on  our  hearts  the  discovery  and  progrefs  of 
thefe  vailed  ten  year?.  May  not  the  hiftory  of  them  be  one  of 
the  precious  arcana  which  "  the  Father  hath  kept  in  his  owri 
power,"  and  referved  tor  the  information,  wonder  and  joy  of 
an  improved  (late  of  exigence,  when  things  hard  to  be  under- 
ftood  (hall  be  fully  explained  ;  and  things  known  in  part  fhali 
be  unfolded  in  all  their  conne6tions  and  dependencies;  and 
infinite  intelligence  fhal'l  fupply  all  the  deficiencies  of  human 
under  (landing. 

It  was  in  that  fanrelefs  village,  and  in  thole  tra'c  kiefs  years 
that  the  foundation  was  laid  of  agreatnefs  which  fhould  eclipfe 
all  created  glory  ;  of  a  kingdom  that  mould  fwallow  up  every 
other;  ot  an  enterprize  which  fhould  extend  its  influence  to 
the  remoteft  ages  ot  eternity. 

The  next  Le6ture  will,  if  God  permit,  take  up  the    next  re. 

corded 


Lett.   VI  I.J  JESUS    CHRIST. 


/:> 


corded  period  of  our  Saviour's  hiflory,  his  a  (Turning  ior  a  mo- 
ment a  public  character  at  the  age  of  twelve  years,  and  his  Hid- 
ing away  from  it  again  into  filence  and  retirement,  till  his 
thirtieth  year,  the  time  or.  his  final  manileihtion  unto  Jl- 
rael,  as  the  great  *'  Prophet  that  mould  come  into  the 
world." 

Shall  I  degrade  my  fuhjeft,  by  faying  it  fuggefts  to  parents 
many  ufeful  hints  refpecting  the  early  treatment  of  their  chil- 
dren ?  Be  as  tender  and  attentive  as  you  will;  liften  to  the 
voice  of  nature  and  learn  your  duty  :  but  dream  not  of  mak- 
ing a  ltranger  bend  the  knee  to  your  idol,  perhaps  he  has  an  i- 
dol  of  his  own,  weak,  filly  and  ridiculous  as  yours  ;  perhaps 
he  fees  nothing  but  impertinence  and  imperfefciion,  where 
you  behold  only  grace  and  love'jnefs  and  the  more  you  force 
your  Dagon  upon  his  attention,  the  more  hideoufne/s  and 
deformity  he  will  rlifcover  in  it.  Be  not  eager  to  bring 
foi  ward  the  accompHfhmcnts  of  your  child.  If  they  are  wor- 
thy of  being  feen,  your  referve  and  the  child's  modefty  will 
give  a  glow  to  the  colouring  which  will  ftrike  every  eye,  and 
pieafe  every  heart.  If  they  be  trivial,  why  will  you  force,  a 
good-natured  looker-on,  to  flatter  your  vanity  at  the  expenfe 
of  bis  own  judgment ;  or  provoke  a  ftern  and  fevere  one,  to 
approve  his  (incerity  and  truth  at  the  expenfe  of  your  feeling 
and  ot  your  idol's  fancied  importance  ?  In  private  let  the  per- 
fon  mod  dear  to  you,  be  moft  dear  to  you  ;  in  fociety,  the 
darling  obje£l,  the  firft  in  confideiati.cn  and  Election,  ought 
to  be  the  laft  in  refpect  of  attention. 

Be  not  over  anxious  about  an  early  crop  from  your  offspring. 
You  may  have  the  fruit,  it  is  true  by  means  of  vehement  cultiva- 
tion^ little  earlier  in  the  feafon,  but  it  favours  of  the.artificial  heat 
that  hurried  it  forward  ;  the  tree   is   wailed    and    fades    before 
the  time  ;  and  at  the  proper  feafon,  when  nature    is     clothing 
the  vigorous  plant  with  its  golden    harveft,   the    languid    child 
ot  art    Hands    lifelefs   and   leaflefs.   expiring   before    its    time. 
There  is  always  danger  from  a  premature  fpring,   though  it   be 
in  the  courfe  ot  nature.     Happy  i\  the  man    who  can   hit  the 
temperate  mean    betwixt  indecent  hafte  and    indolent    delay. 
I  would  addrefs  a  few  words,  to  the  lame    efTett,  to   advanced 
ch  ldhood  and  early  youth.     But  childhood  and  youth  are   not 
difpofed  to  attend  ferious  Lectures  or  do    nut    underftand, 
difbelieve,  and  therefore  do  not   attend  to  them.     They    muifc 
be  left  to  the  forcible,  the  irrehftible    Icllbns  of  experience.     ^ 
eameftly  recommend  them  to  the  teaching  ot  God's  good  fpir- 
lt.     May  the  Son  of  God,    who  vouch  fated  for   our    fake    to 

pafs 


y6  HISTORY  01  [Lech  VII, 

pafs  through  infancy  and  childhood  poor,  neglecled,  unknown, 
guard  our  helplefs  infants,  direct  our  thoughtlefs,  wayward 
children,  counfel  and  inftrucl;  manly,  maiured  reafon,  and 
fmile  with  complacency  on  the  hoary  head,  and  make  it  a 
crown  or  righteoufnefs.  And  to,  Gpd  in  Chrift  be  afcri.bed 
immortal  praife.    Amen* 


LECTURE 


jLe6l.   VIII.]  JESUS    CHRIST.  Jf 

LECTURE  VIII. 

LUKE,    II.4I  —  52. 

Now  his  parents  went  to  J erufalem  every  year  at  the  Feafl  of 
the  paffover.  And  when  he  was  twelve  years  old,  they  went 
up  to  Jerufalem,  after  the  cuflom  of  the  Fea/t.  And  when 
they  had  fulfilled  the  days,  as  they  returned,  the  child  Jefus 
famed  behind  in  Jerusalem  :  and  Jofeph  and  his  mother 
knew  not  of  it.  But  they,  fuppofing  him  to  have  been  in  the 
company,  went  a  day's  journey  ;  and  they  fought  him  among 
their  kinsfolk  and  acquaintance.  And  when  they  found  him 
not,  they  turned  back  again  to  Jeru/alem  feeknig  him.  And 
it  came  to  pa/s,  that  after  three  days  they  found  him  in  the 
Temp 'e,  fitting  in  the  midfl  of  the  Do&ors,  both  hearing  them, 
and  afk'.ng  them  queftions.  And  all  that  heard  him  were  aj- 
tomfhrd  at  his  under/land  ng  and  anfwers.  4nd  <uhen  they 
/aw  him  they  were  amaze  a  :  and  his  mother  j aid  unto  him 
fan,  why  hafl  thou  thus  dealt  with  us  ?  Behold,  thy  Father 
and  I  have  fought  thee  jort owing.  And  he  f aid  unto  them, 
how  is  it  that  ye  /ought  me  ?  IViJl  ye  not  that  I  muft  be  about 
my  Father's  bufinejs  ?  and  they  u^derjlood  not  the  faying 
uhuh  he  J  pake  unto  them.  And  he  went  down  with  th.m, 
and  came  10  Nazareth,  and  zvas  fubjeel  unto  them;  but  his 
mother  kept  all  thfefaymgs  in  her  hflart.  And  Jefus  increased 
in  wifdom  and  fiature,  and  in  favour  with  God  and  ?nan. 

UNIVERSAL  Nature  is  progrefs,  fucceflion  and  change. 
We  obferve  it  in  every  thing  around  us,  we  feel  it  in  ev- 
ery particle  o"  our  own  frame.  But  obvious  as  this  progref- 
fion  is,  in  its  larger  portions,  the  minuter  details  defy  the  ciof- 
eft  attention  ot  the  acuteft  eye.  Darknefs  has  evidently  given 
place  to  light  ;  but  what  vigilance  ot  inlpection  co<>!  i  afcer- 
tain  the  precife  inftant  when  night  ceafed  and  light  began  to 
dawn  ?  That  plant  is  palpably  increafed  in  ftrength  an  1  fize, 
but  let  me  hang  over  it  the  live-long  day,  with  the  unremitting 
penetration  ot  an  eagle's  eye,  and  I  am  incapable  of  catching  a 
fingle  ftep  of  the  progrefs.  Shade  mcltls  imperceptibly  into 
(hade  ;  the  tranfition  is  made,  bur  we  were  not  aware  ot  it; 
whether  we  be  afleep  or  awake,  carelefs  or  attentive,  the  ^reat 
pomplex  machine  keeps  in  motion,  performs  its  revolution, 

produces 


/$  HISTORY  of  [Left.  vme 

produces  its  e£e&.  The  progrefs  o\  man,  the  rnoft  'perfe£lo£ 
all  creatures  that  we  are  acquainted  with,  is  the  molt  interefting 
of  all  ohjefts  to  man.  If  it  be  delightful  to  behold  the  trees  or. 
the  forefl  burft  into  verdure,  and  thofe  of"  th  *  garden  putting 
on  their  beautiful  garments,  and  changing  that  beauty  into 
fruitfulnefs  ;  if  it  be  plea'ant  to  behold  the  fpringing  corn 
multiply  thirty,  fixty,  a  hundred  fold  ;  to  behold  the  flocks 
and  herds  iipcreafe— what  mull  it  be  to  behold  the  image  of 
Cod  multiplied  on  the  earth,  the  human  form  divine  rear  it- 
felf  toward  heaven,  the   poucrs  of  thought  and  reafon   ex- 


pand. 


■By  degrees, 


The  human  blofibm  blows  ;  and  every  day,   ' 
Sottas  it  rolls  along,  fhews  fome  new  charm. 
Then  infant  reafon  grows  apace,  and  calls 
For  the  kind  hand  of  an  affiduous  care. 
Delightful  tafk  !  to  rear  the  tender  thought. 
To  teach  the  young  idea  how  to  fhoot, 
To  pour  the  frefh  inftru&ion  o'er  the  mind, 
To  breathe  th'  enlivening  fpirit,  and  to  fix  ; 
The  generous  purpofe  in  the  glowing  breafj^ 

Thomson's  Spring,  1,  1143, 

But  this,  like  every  other  human  delight,  is  blended  with 
pain.  Even  the  partiality  of  parental  affe£lion  is  conftrained 
to  cbferve  rank  and  noifome  weeds  fpringing  up  with  the  deli- 
cate feeds  of  goodnefs  ;  the  dawning  of  reafon  is  obfeured  by 
the  clouds  of  folly  and  vice,  and  the  promife  of  a  golden  har- 
veft  is  blighted  in  early  fpring,  by  late  frofl  or  premature  heat. 
Before  we  are  well  awake  to  the  joy  of  fome  newly  difcover- 
ed  excellency,  we  are  overwhelmed  with  the  diftrefs  of  per- 
ceiving fome  glaring  imperfection,  or  ungracious  propenfity  : 
and  where  we  love  and  rejoice,  there  alfo  we  find  caufe  to  la- 
ment and  condemn.  The  fpirit  of  God  has  feen  mfet  to  pre- 
fent  the  world  with  one  perfeel:  model,  for  the  inftru&ion  of 
every  age  of  human  life.  We  have  held  it  up  in  a  ftate  of  in- 
fantine beauty,  fimplicity  and  gentlenefs,  a  paffive  example  of, 
fubjeciion  to  poverty,  and  danger,  and  perfecution  ;  but  we 
have  feen  the  meannefs  and  obfeurity  of  that  ftate  relieved  by 
the  decided  attention  of  eternal  Providence,  and  by  the  volun- 
tary homage  of  angels  and  men. 

•  On  returning  from  Egypt,  Jefus  was  carried  to  the  obfeure 
village  of  Nazateth,  and  the  veil  is  drawn  over  him  till  his 
twelfth  year,  when  he  was  pleafed  to  clothe  himfelf  for  a  little 
while  with  majefty,  and  then  difappeared,  till  the  time  of  his  fi- 
Eal  raanife&ation  to  the  world,  as  the  Saviour  of  it.    The  la\^ 

obliged 


L*£t.  win.]  jesus  christ;  ;j 

obliged  every  male  of  Ifrael  to  appear  before  the  Lord  in  the 
place  which  he  had  chofen  to  put  his  name  there,  three  times 
every  year,  at  the  three  great  feafts  of  pafTover,  pentecoft,  and 
tabernacles.  This  was  evidently  intended  to  maintain  a  good 
correfpondence  between  all  the  members  of  the  commonwealth, 
by  the  focial  intercourfe,  the  innocent  feftivity  and  the  devo- 
tional exercifes  which  thefe  folemnities  promoted. 

Jofeph  and  the  mother  of  Jefus,  though  the  inj  unci  ion  ex- 
tended not  to  females,  were  in  the  habit  of  regularly  attending 
the  fervice  of  the  temple  on  thofeoccafions  ;  and  Jefus,  anoth- 
er **  Nazarite  toGod  from  his  mother's  womb,"  accompanied 
them  to  the  holy  place.  Self-evident  marks  of  the  favour  ofc 
heaven  were  already  upon  him.  "  He  grew,  and  waxed  ihong 
in  fpirit  filicd  with  wifdom."  Exprefliorcs  importing  uncom- 
mon comelinefs  of  perfon,  and  luperior  powers  of  underifand- 
ing  ;  but  in  Him,  as  in  other  children,  we  behold  a  gradual 
progreflion  from  knowledge  to  knowledge,  as  from  flature  to 
itature.  For  as  nature  conceals  from  us  at  what  moment  fhe 
unites  the  immortal  mind  to  the  mortal  frame,  fo  the  Holy  Spir- 
it h-is  thought  proper  to  conceal  at  what  ieafon,  and  in  what 
rneafure,  Deity  was  pleafed  10  Unite  himfeff  to  the  human  na- 
ture of  the  Redeemer  ;  and  let  us  not  over-curroufly  feek  "  to 
Xnow  the  times  arid  the  feafons  which  the  Father  hath  put  in  his 
own  power."  Neither  the  lovely  form,  nor  the  attra6tive  good- 
hefs,  not  the  excellent  wifdom,  however,  of  this  wonderful 
child,  feem  to  have  roufed  much  attention  or  commanded  un- 
common refpeft.  The  world  is  captivated  not  by  real  ant  fol- 
id  worth,  but  by  the  gaudy  outfide  of  fhewy,  fuperficial  quali- 
ties. Rank  and  riches  fpread  a  glare  over  the  perfon  of  their 
poflefTor  that  makes  it  known  and  remembered  :  they  add 
weight  to  his  rnoft  ordinary  fayings,  which  gives  them  curren- 
cy and  importance  ;  while  poverty,  like  a  bufhel  put  over  a 
canjle,  prevents  it,  however  clear  it  may  be,  from  giving  its 
light.  What  carnal  mind  can  reconcile  the  idea  of  great  and 
diftinguifhed  qualities  with  that  of  the  carpenter's  fori  ?  No, 
"  He  hath  no  form  nor  comelinefs,  and  when  we  (hall  fee  him, 
there  is  no  beauty  that  we  Ihould  defire  him." 

In  tho  e  ftated  journeys  to  Jerufalem,  it  was  cuftomary  for 
many  families  of  the  fame  neighhourhood.  or  of  the  fame  kin- 
dred, to  travel  in  company.  The  road  was  Jweetened  and 
fhortened  by  friendly  communication,  and  religion  ilreiigihen- 
ed  the  bands  of  friendfhip  and  the  ties  o\  blood.  Were  there 
no  other  reafon  but  this  to  prefs  upon  the  heart  the  importance 
of  attendance  on  the  ordinances  of  God's  houie,  that  it  I 
tn  ftrengthen  the  bond  ot  nature  between   hulband  and 


ga  HISTORY  OF  [Lett    Vll!« 

parent  and  child,  one  neighbour  and  another,  it  were  enough 
to  recommend  it  to  every  one  who  prizes  the  comfort  of  the 
life  that  now  is  ;  how  much  more,  when  there  are  involved  in 
it,  all  t!e  infinitely  more  important  inierefts  of  that  which  is 
to  come  !  Happy  are  thofe  focieties  in  which  the  powers  ot  a 
world  to  come  are  fo  felt,  as  to  died  a  fweetening,  cheering, 
enlivening  influence  over  prefent  connections,  enjoyments 
and  purfuits.  The  folemnities  ot  the  feaft  being  ended,  all 
prepare  to  return  to  their  refpeclive  homes  and  their  ufual  em- 
ployments. Thus  wifely  and  mercifully,  He  who  knows  what 
is  in  man  makes  devotion,  labour  and  reft,  alternately  to  recom- 
mend, to  relieve,  and  to  iupport  each  other.  A  perpetual  fab- 
bath  would  foon  prove  the  death  of  religion  ;  under  uninter- 
rupted labour  the  man  would  quickly  fink  ;  reft  protracted 
beyond  a  certain  bound  would  prove  deftru&ive  of  all  repofe. 
But  to  the  heart  in  which  the  lave  of  God  is  fhed  abroad,  the 
painful  toil  of  the  week  is  mitigated  and  diminifhed  by  the 
profpeft  ot  the  day  of  facred  intermiflion,  of  heavenly  commu- 
nication ;  and  the  calm,  fatisfying  delights  of  the  Lord's  day, 
bellowing  eafe  on  the  body,  and  compofure  on  the  mind,  ferve 
as  a  reftorative  toward  undertaking  and  undergoing  the  fatigues 
of  another  week. 

The  numeroufnefs  of  the  company  which  travelled  back  to! 
Nazareth  prevented  its  being  obferved  that  one  was  wanting, 
and  a  complete  day's  journey  is  performed,  before  the  eager, 
attentive  eye  of  even  a  mother,  mifles  its  darling  object 
How  is  this  to  be  accounted  for  ?  The  whole  train  was  a  band 
ot  brothers,  ot  one  heart  and  of  one  foul  ;  in  whatever  part  of. 
it  the  child  was*  behind  or  before,  he  was,  encompatTed  with 
tnends  :  other  children  ot  twelve  years  old  need  attention,  pro- 
tection and  fuoport  but  he  has  given  many  unequivocal  proofs 
of  a  wifdom  capable  of  conducing  himfelf.  The  time  is  now 
come  that  his  mother  herfelt  mult  learn  with  whom  (he  had  to 
do.  and  to  revere  in  her  own  fon,  the  Son  of  the  Higheft.  All 
was  ot  God,  who  thus  prepaied  the  way  for  another  public 
declaration  ot  the  gr-  at  Prophet  who  mould  come  into  the 
world,  and  that  not  by  the  tongue  of  an  Archangel,  nor  by  a 
multitude  of  the  heavenly  holt,  but  by  the  mouih  of 
Jefus  himfelf  ;  into  whofe  lips  grace  was  poured  and 
praife  perfe6ted  It  is  eafier  to  conceive  than  to  defcribe 
the  forrow  and  anxiety  occahoned  bv  the  difcovery  that  Jefus 
was  not  in  the  train.  The  ihades  ot  night  fpread  over  the 
foul  ot  a  mother  the  terror  ot  evil  beaits,  of  evil  men  ;  of  hun- 
ger and  cold,  o^miffing  the  road,  and  ot  all  the  namelefs  ap- 
prehcnfions  which  felicitous  parents  feel  foe  unprotected  youth 

an  4 


Le£r.  VIII.]  ^ESUS  CHRIST.  §t 

nnri  innocence.  Nothing  remains  but  to  tread  back  their 
weary,  anxious,  fteps  and  the  clofe  of  the  feeond  day  fees  them 
enter  Jerufalem,  with  the.  mixed  emotions  of  hope  and  def- 
pondency  ;  and  another  fleeplefs  night  fucceeds  the  panful 
day.  The  third  day,  well  knowing  the  zeal  which  he  had  tor 
God's  houfe,  they  repair  betimes  to  the  temple  :  they  find  him, 
think,  O  mothers,  with  what  aftonifhment  and  delight;  in 
health,  fatety  and  ccmpofure,  and  gracious  heaven  !  how  em- 
ployed ?  "  fitting  in  the  midfr.  of  the  Doctors,  both  hearing 
them  and  afldng  (hem  queftions."  Fainters  and  commenta- 
tors feem  to  have  entirely  tniftaken  this  paffage  of  our  Sa- 
viour's hiftory.  They  place  him  in  the  centre,  in  the  chief 
feat,  afluming  authority,  infrrufciing  grey  hairs.  The  Evan- 
geliff.  places  him  in  the  modeft  feat  of  a  pupil,  a  pattern  to 
children  of  twelve,  of  docility,  of  humility,  of  nieeknefs  * 
carefully  liftening  to  the  queftions  propofed  to  him  by  the 
public  teachers,  and  anfwering  with  deference  and  fuhmiflion, 
though  with  intelligence  and  decifion  ;  and  pronoun?,  in  hi-- 
turn,  queftions  that  led  to  important  truth  and  really  uTeful 
knowledge,  not  fuch  as  difplayed  the  acutenefs  ot  him  who 
interrogated,  or  that  aimed  at  expofing  him  of  whom  the  an  . 
fwer  was  demanded.  In  trum  ever  fmce  I  cciild  read  and  uh> 
derftanri  the  words  of  the  hiftorian,  I  have  confidered  this  lit- 
tle anecdote  ot  our  blefTed  Lord,  a\s  ot  lingular  importance  in 
his  character,  as  the  great  teacher  of  mankind.  The  age  of 
twelve  is  an  interefting  crifis  in  human  lite.  The  rational 
loul  is  then  making  off  the  child,  and  emerging  into  the  man. 
There  is  about  that  period,  knowledge  enough  to  minifter  fuel 
to  vanity  and  felt-conceit,  but  not  enough  to  difcern  igno- 
ranee  arid  tolly  ;  there  is  learning  fufficient  to  teafe  and  per- 
plex, but  not  to  attract  and  conciliate  affe6tion.  And  did  it 
pleafe  thee  meek,  and  condelcendirig  Jems,  to  inftruft  tha: 
wayward  feafon  ot  exiftence,  when  youth  begins  to  feel  the 
force  of  example,  to  blufh  at  petulance,  t©  be  influenced  by 
honeft  thame  arid' honeff  praife,  that  feafon  when  the  hear. 
is  awake,  alive  aJl  over  to  the  bitternefs  ot  cenfure,  or  to  th^ 
fweets  of  approbation  ?  Yes,  and  we  fee  in  thee  with  wonder 
and  joy  the  happy  medium  between  the  Rrtrinefs  ot  confeions 
wifdom,  and  the  forwardnefs  ot  affumed  luperiority  :  between 
the  meeknefs  and  gentlenefs  which  are  the  inseparable  con- 
comitants ot  real  ability,  and  the  (eff-fufficiency  v>hich  betrays 
want  of  talents,  fupporting  lifeTf  bj  extravagance  of  claim. 
That  this  is  the  jnff  view  of  our  blefTed  Lord's  conduct  is  e\  U 
^cnt  from  the  effect  which  it  produced.      You  need  not  to   be 

L  toli 


HISTORY    OF  [Left.   VIII, 

told  of  the  jealoufy  of  aged  and  piofeflional  men.  Not  a 
doctor  in  the  temple  but  would  have  felt  and  lefented  the 
mortifying  fuperiority  of  a  child  -had  that  fuperiority  been  of- 
ientatioufly  difplayed  ;  but  his  whole  deportment  excited  only- 
admiration  and  love  ;  his  understanding  was  equalled  only  by 
his  affability  and  condefcenfion  ;  he  at  once  inftru&s  his 
teachers  and  gains  their  good  will  ;  *■  all  that  heard  him  were 
aftoniihcd  at  his  underftanding  and  anfwers." 

If  flrangers  were  thus  moved  by  a  mild  difplay  of  early,  un- 
affected wifdorn,  what  muff,  a  parent  have  felt,  whofe  heart  but 
a  moment  before  was  throbbing  with  anguifh  unutterable? 
How  happy  is  (he  to  acknowledge  fitch  a  fori,  the  delight  of 
every  eye,  the  theme  of  every  tongue.  But  even  Mary,  the 
mother  of.  Jefus,  is  weak  and  imperfeft,  me  fpeaks  unad- 
vifedly  with  her  lips,  fhe  prefumes  to  mingle  upbraiding  and 
reproach  with  expreflions  of  endearment  and  exultation  ;  fhe 
has  forgotten  from  whence  fhe  received  him  the  character 
given  him  of  the  angel  before  he  was  conceived  in  the  womb, 
the  facred  names  which  he  bore,  the  teftimony  which  God 
had  fo  repeatedly  given  to  his  beloved  Son  ;  fhe  addreffes 
him,  all-wonderful  as  lie  was,  as  if  he  had  been  merely  an  or- 
dinary child,  who  had  thoughtlefsly  and  wantonly  rambled 
away  from  his  parents,  and  had  given  them  unneceffary  trou- 
ble and  pain,  He  whofe  e\ery  word,  every  action  had  an. 
important  meaning  and  defign.  "  Son,5'  fays  fhe,  "  why  haft 
thou  thus  dealt  with  us  ?  Pehold  thy  Father  and  I  have  fought 
thee  farrowing."  And  now  the  anfwer  of  Chi  iff  to  this  quef- 
tion  unfolds  the  great  end  which  he  had  in  view,  through 
the  whole  tranfaftion.  It  was  time  for  him  to  affert  his  di- 
vine original  ;  and  the  meekeft  and  mcft  fubmiffive  of  all 
children  Hands  invefted  with  divine  roajefly,  "  how  is  it  that 
ye  fought  me?  Wift  ye  not  that  I  muff  be  about  my  Father's 
bufinefs  ?"  or,  as  it  might  perhaps  with  greater  propriety  have 
been  rendered,  "  in  my  Fathers  houfe." 

What  a  leffon  is  conveyed  to  the  world  in  this  reply  ?  Sa- 
cred is  the  authority  of  a  mother  over  a  fon  of  twelve  years  of 
age,  but  there  is  an  authority  {till  more  facred,  of  which  a  child 
even  of  thtat  age  may  be  fenhble.  When  the  honour  of 
God  is  concerned,  the  voice  of  nature  muff  be  fupprefled. 
When  the  voice  of  heaven  calls,  ihz  decencies  and  civilities 
of  life  muff  give  place,  and  all  fecondary  obligations  and  con- 
fiderations  mufl  be  fvval lowed  up  of  tljie  firft.  He  filently  en- 
dured the  reproach,  of  being  called  the  carpenter's  fon  by 
{■rangers,  but  his  own  mother  mufl;  denominate-  him   what  he 

is.. 


jLe£L  vni.]  jesus  ciirist.  g? 

is,  and  what  fhe  knew  him  to  be.  But  reproof  of  a  parent 
mult  be  ijiflnuated,  not  brought  directly  forward  ;  and  hero 
again  the  pattern  is  perfect.  ;  delicacy  and  firmnefs  unite  to 
fpare  the  mother,  yet  reprove  the  offence  \  and  whatever  were 
the  other  queftions  and  anfwers  of  this  celebrated  conference, 
thofe  which  are  on  record  will  remain  an  everlafting  monu- 
ment of  the  pertecr.  union  of  wildom  and  harmlefmefs,  which 
diftingutfhed  the  Son  of  God  from   every  other. 

The  Sun,  having  ihone  forth  in  this  temporary  effulgence, 
again  hid  its  face  in  cioucls,  and  fubmitted  to  an  eclipfe  of 
eighteen  years  longer  ;  He  divefted  himfelf  of  all  authority  ; 
He  fought  not  glory  from  man  ;  He  became  of  no  reputation, 
He  took  on  him  the  form  of  a  fervant.  "  He  went  down  with 
them,  and  came  to  Nazareth,  and  was  fubjeel  unto  them  ;" 
and  by  this  voluntary  humiliation  of  himfelf,  by  this  retreat 
into  the  fhade,  more  than  by  ten  thoufand  precepts  and  argu- 
ments, He  has  inculcated  the  practice  of  humility  on  his  dif- 
ciples.  A  few  fliort  words  contain  the  hiltory  of  many  years, 
even  fo,  holy  Father,  for  fo  it  feemed  good  in  tiiy  fight  ; 
"  Jefus  increafed  in  wifdom  and  ftature,  and  in  favor  with 
God  and  man."  Let  us  not  prefume  to  draw  afide  the  veil 
which  infinite  wifdom  has  fpread,  nor  feck  to  be  wife  above 
what  is  written,  thelc  things  the  angels  defire  to  look  into, 
and  lome  of  thefe  things,  though  now  they  are  hidden  iron? 
us,  we  may  be  permitted  to  know  hereafter. 

About  the  period  of  this  paffover,  when  Chrift  was  (hewing 
himfelf  in  the  temple,  after  this  extraordinary  manner,  as  the 
Son  of  God,  Augufius  Cefar,  the  emperor  of  Rome,  dies,  and 
is  fucceeded  in  the  throne  by  Tiberius.  About  fix  ye^ars  after, 
Jofephus,  called  Caiaphas,  was  made  high  priefi  of  the  Jews, 
through  the  partial  favour  of  Valerius  Gratus,  the  Roman  gover- 
nor. Toward:  the  end  of  the  twelfth  year  from  that  period,  Pon- 
tius Pilate  was  fent  into  Pdleftineas  procurator  of  Judea,  in  the 
I  torn  of  Valerius  Gratus,  and  John  Baptifl  entered  on  theexer- 
cife  of  his  public  miniffry.  Thofe  names  are  now  ftripped  of  ail 
their  glory ;  thofe  Rations  are  now  fallen  into  difufe,  thofe  events 
are  now  ftripped  of  all  their  importance^ lave  what  they  de- 
rive from  the  relation  which  they  bear  to  yonder  babe  in  the 
liable,  that  child  in  the  midft  of  the  doctors,  that  gentle,  ob- 
fcure,  unaffuming  youth  of  Nazareth  of  Galilee.  So  differ- 
ently do  objects  weigh  when  examined  by  the  fcale  of  the 
vorld,  and  tried  by  the  balance  of  the  fanctuary.  In  the  next 
Leftnre  we  will  proceed,  it  God  permit,  to  the  htftory  or 
Child's  baatifoi,  and  of  the   illultrious  teftimony  then   given 

from 


84  msTo.ny.  ot  [Lea.  via, 

ii.oin  the  i&pfi,  excellent  glory  to  Jefus  Chriffc,  as    God's   well- 
beldved  Son, 

''  Let  us  wih  Mary  keep  all  thefe  fayings  in  our  heart.'" 
Let  us,  trom,  the  evampie  oFthis  pious  pair,  regularly  attend 
the  wbrfbip  ot  God's  houfe.  "6  not  forfaking  the  affembling  of 
ourfelves  as  he  manner  of  (orne  is  :."  and  thus  fhall  we  "  <jq 
from  iir-ng'h  to  fhength"  til!  we  appear  before  God  in  Zion. 
Let  us  lardully  attend  to  the  proper  mode  of  treatment  of 
children,  uuted  to  age.  to  capacity,  to  temper  and  difpofition. 
1  he  difciplme  ad  <pte,d  to  childhood  is  by  no  means  f u i ted  to  a 
more  advanced  £ate  ;  and.  when  the  youth  has  become  a  man, 
and  "  put  away  childifh  things/5  he  muft  be  treated  as  a  man. 
It  is  of  importance  to  know  when  the  flimulus,  when  the  bri- 
dle is  to  be  employed.  What  would  overwhelm  the  timid,, 
may  prove  hardly  a  curb  to  the  heaciuVong  ;  the  (low  of  fpeech 
and  underftanding  mu'i|  not  be  urged  into  the  fpeed  of  the  a- 
cute  and  impetuous.  '  Parents  rejoice  in  a  forward  difplay  of 
faculties  in  their  children  ;  they  encourage  it,  and  they  not 
feldom  repent  it.  The  oppofite  error  is  not  common,  and  is 
therefore  lefs  an  objeel  of  caution.  The  difficulties  which  dau 
3y  prefer*!;  themfelves,  in  managing  the  progrefs  of  the  human 
mind,  are  frequently  infurmountable  by  the  ordinary  powers 
of  man,  which  therefore  iland  in  need  of  the  illumination  of 
V  wifdom  from  above  ;"-  "  if  any  of  you,"  then,  4'  lack  wif- 
dom,  let  him  alk  ot  God.  that  giveth  to  all  men  liberally,  and 
upbraideth  not  ;  and  it  {hall  be  given  him." 

Let  the  young  be  inftrutted  how  to  rife  into  eminence  and 
di(tin6Hpn.  Covet  not,  purfue  not  premature  honour  and  ap- 
plaufe.  Extorted  praife  is  gratifying  neither  to  the  giver  nor 
the  receiver  ;  a  free-will  offering  ot  approbation  is  "  twice 
bleft  ;  it  blefleth  him  that  gives  and  him  that  takes."  Med- 
itate on  the  familiar  image,  which,  no  doubt,  has  frequently 
been  fuggefted  to  you  :  honour,  like  the  fhadow,  purfues  the 
ilyer,  and  flies  fremthe  purfuer.  Demand  lefs  than  your  due, 
and  men  will  be  difpofed  to  give  you  the  more.  My  young 
friends,  "  be  not  children  in  underftanding  :  howbeit,  in  mal- 
ice be  ye  children,  but  in  underftanding  be  men/' 


LECTURE 


Left.  I  X.J  jEI>US  CHRIST,  fa 


LECTURE     IX. 


LUKE,  III.   21—23. 

Jfow,  2>/k«  all  the  people  were  bapti/ed,  it  came  to  pafsjhatjefus 
alfo'bang  bapti/ed,  and  praying,  the  heaven  zcas  opened,  and 
the  Ho'\  Ghojl  de/cended  in  a  bodily  JJiape,  like  a  dove,  upon 
him,  and  a  voice  camejrom  heaven,  which  Jaul,  thou  art  my 
beloved  Son  ;  in  thee  I  am  welt  pUaJed.  And  Jt/us  tiim/elf 
bt^an  to  be  about  thirty  years  of  age  %  being  fas  teas  fuppojed) 
the  Jon  of  Jojeph,  which  was  t  lit  Jon  oj  Hell,  , 

'TpHE  declared  purpofe  of  our  Evangelift,  in  undertaking  to 
-*•  write  this  hiftory,  is  that  his  moft  excellent  friend  Theo- 
philus,  and  with  him  every  lover  ot  God  and  truth,  ''might 
know  the  certainty  of  thofe  things  wherein  he  had  been  inflruc- 
icd."  This  "  certainty"  is  demonstrable  from  the  fpirit  which 
Chriftianity  breathes,  and  from  the  externa!  evidence  by  which 
its  divine  original  was  confirmed.  The  religion  of  Jefus  Chi  iii 
proves  that  it  came  down  from  heaven.  Jrom  the  Father  oi  lights, 
by  the  character  of  the  great  Author  and  f  inifher  of  our  Faith, 
by  the  example  of  all  righteoufnefs  which  he  fet,  by  the  purity 
and  heavenly-mindednefs  which  hedifplayed  and  recommend- 
ed, by  the  labours  ot  mercy  and  love,  which  he  performed,  by 
the  fuffenngs  which  he  patiently  underwent, and  by  '  the  glory- 
that  followed."  To  thefe  Providence  was  pleafed  to  fuperadd 
proofs  that  reach  the  underftanding  through  the  medium  ot 
\cn[c:  namely  ugnal,  fupernaturaland  frequently-repeated  tef- 
timonies,  exhibited  in  the  prefence  of  a  qloud  ot  witnefTes,  who 
produced  a  clear,  concuning,  confident  mafs  ot  evidence,  ref- 
peCting  tacts  which  tell  under  the  perfonal  obfervation  ot  their 
own  eyes  and  ears  and  which  were  never  contradicted  nor 
even  called  in  queftion. 

At  this  diftance  of  time  and  place,  the  laft  mentioned  fpecies 
of  evidence,  that  of  external  circumftances,  mult  of  neceflity 
be  tranfuntted  to  u  through  the  channel  of  hiitory,  and  its  va- 
lidity mutt  reft  on  the  veracity  ot  the  hiUrorian.  The  other 
fort  ot  evidence  is  the  Lme  yefterday,  and  to  day,  and  forever. 
This  counfel  approves  itfelt  to  be  of  God,  to  the  conviaionot 
every  one  who  lerioufly  examines  it,  at  whatever  diftanca  ot 
urac  and  place,  from  us  indelible  chara&ers,  from  the   urm'CT"- 

fality 


B6  HISTORY  of  *Lecl. 


IX, 


fality  of  the  field  which  it  embraces,  and  from  the  glorious  and 
godlike  end  at  which  it  aims  :  in  a  word,  from  its  congeniality 
Itp4he  leelings,  to  the  wifiies,  and  to  the  wants  of    human    na- 
ture.    Had  no  prediction  taught  the  world  to  expetf  a    Deliv- 
erer ;  had  no  miracle  declared  Him  the  great  Lord  of  the  Uni* 
Vi  »>&  ;  had  no  voice  from  Heaven  proclaimed  Him  the  belov- 
ed Son  of  God,  He  mull  have  flood  confeffed, the  predicted  E- 
manuel,  God  with  us   in  his  companion  to  the    miferable,    in, 
his  patience  with  the  froward,  in  his  forbearance  toward  the  e- 
vil  and  uniha.nki.ul,  in  his  clemency  to  the  guilty.     The    Gof- 
pei  breathes  "  peace  on  earth  and  good  will  to  men  ;"  its  un- 
bounded liberality  dilutes  iis  influence  over  the    whole   world 
ot  mankind  ;  its  proieiTed  cV.-n  and  end  are  to  confer  all    pofii- 
bly  atiainabie  happinefs    on    every    human   being,    in  the    life 
which  now  is,  and  perfe^  and  everlafting  felicity  in  that  which 
is  to  come.     The  objeci  wich  Chriflianity  propofes  to   itfelf 
is  to  reform, to  purity,  to  exalt  our  fallen  nature,  by  making  us 
partakers  ot  a  divine  nature  ;  it  is   to  rear  the  fabric  of  prefent 
and  everlafting  bleflfednefs  on  the  folH  foundation  of  wifdom, 
truth  and  virtue.     It  penetrates  and  pervades   every  principle 
ot  our  nature,  and  enters  completely  into  the  detail   of   human 
Jife  and  conduct  :  it  informs  the  und-rftanding,  melts  the  heart, 
overawes  the  conscience,    and   brings   the    trembling,    guilty, 
helplefs,  defponding  creature  unto  God.     If  thefe  are  not  the 
characters  of  a  Revelation  from  the  God  and  Father  of  all  men, 
What  characters  are  fufficient  to  produce  belief  ?  If  the   fpirit 
and  tendency  of  the  Gofpel  work  not  conviction,   the   defcent 
of  an  angel  from  heaven,  or  the  return    of   one  from   the  re> 
giousot" the  dedd  would  be  equally  inefficacious. 

In  this  "  dofctrine  according  to  godlinefs,"  Men  and  Breth- 
ren, we  behold  genuine  philofophy,  not  carelefsly  Cumbering 
over  fancied  plans  of  improvement,  not  coldly  fuggefling  ideas 
of  reform,  not  bewildering  herfelf  in  the  perad ventures  of 
doubtful  difputation,butphilofophy  alive,  awake  and  in  aftion; 
philofophy  doing  good  and  diftufing  happinefs  ;  the  divine 
philofophy  which  brings  God  down  to  dwell  with  men  upon 
earth,  and  which  raifes  men  from  earth  to  heaven.  In  its  great 
Author  we  behold  not  the  fullen,  fupercilious  reclufe,  looking 
with  affected  contempt  on  the  weaknefsand  ignorance  ot  man- 
kind, talking  and  arguing  fagely,  and  effecting  nothing,  but 
the  beneficent  friend  ot  man,  mixing  with  foeiety,  looking 
with  complacency  on  harmlefs  enjoyment,  ftretching  forth  the 
hand  to  relieve  diflrefs,  with  patience  and  condefcenfion  in- 
ilru£iing  the  ignorant,  outrunning  the  expectations  and  even 
the  de fires  of  the  humble,  and  overcoming  evil  with  good.  At 

every 


Left.  ix. "J  j-bSus  ciirist. 

every  period,  and  in  every  condition  of  life,  we  behold  linn  a 
perfect  pattern  ot  every  potTible  excellence. 

We  have  already  contemplated  the  blefled  Jefus  in  his  orig- 
inal glory,  before  the  world  was,  and  in  ail  the  wonders  of  his 
humiliation  to  the  level  of  humanity  :  we  have  beheld  Him  in 
all  the  affecting  intereir.  or  infancy  and  chihlheod,  born  in  a 
{table,  laid  in  a  manger,  aimed  at  by  the  dagger  ot  a  ruffian, 
driven  into  exile,  meekly  retiring  into  obfcuiity,  Olently  in- 
creafing  in  wifdom  and  flat  lire,  and  in  favour  with  God  and 
man.  From  the  age  of  twelve  to  thirty  years,  that  is  for  more 
than  halt  the  period  which  He  tabernacled  among  men,  P 
dence  has  feen  meet  to  withhold  all  traces  of  Ins  hiftory.  Widi- 
in  the  fhort  fpace  of  about  three  years  is  corhprized  the  derail 
of  all  the  things  which  Jefus  did, and  taught,  and  fufTercdas  the 
Saviour  of  mankind.  To  this  eventful  era'weare  now  brought 
forward,  and  we  enter  on  the  contemplation  of  it  with  mixed 
emotions  of  wonder,  reverence  and  joy. 

Stand  by,  ye  princes  and  potentates  of  the   earth  ;  the  King 
ot  kings  is  about  to  make  his  public  entry.     What  is  the  con  - 
fecration  of  a  prelate,  the  coronation  o:  an  emperor,  the    voice 
©fa  trumpet,  the  anointing  with  oil,  compared  to  the  majeiry. 
folemnity  and  importance  of  the  fcene  difplayedon  the  banks 
ot  the  Jordan!  Bend  your  heads  and   cover    your    faces,   "ye 
angels  that  excel  in  ftrength,"  He   whom    you   are   all    com- 
manded to  worfhip  is  here.     Behold  he  cbmeth  from  Nazareth 
ot  Galilee,  to  the  baptifm  of  John  ;  the  greater  to  be   baptized 
by  the  Lefs.     Eighteen  years   haft  thou  now    palled,    Jefus  of 
Nazareth!  uafeen,  unknown,  unregarded  ;  under   the  humble 
appellation  of  the  carpenter's  fon,  partaking  perhaps  of  the    la- 
bours ot  his  occupation,  taring  (imply,  fubrhitting  to  auth« 
unmortified  by  fubjeclion  to  poverty,    neglect   and   reproach  , 
and  thus  haft  thou  become  a  gentle  and  filent,   but  a  feveie 
prover  ot  the  reftlefTnefs  or    ambition,  of  the  thirfl  ot   diilin&- 
ion,  ot  the  impetuofity  ol  appetite,  oi    impatience  of  reftramt. 
The  Saviour  ot   the  world,  my    triends,    was    pleafed   to 
through  the  fucceflive  ftages  of  human  lite,  that  he  aright  fanc- 
tiry  and  inflrucl  every  age  of  man'.     He  became  an  infant  o'i 
days,  that  He  might  fanftify    infancy,  and    ftamp    nnper 
and  refpect  upon  it  ;  he  mewed  himhlt  in  the  temple  at  thi 
of  twelve,  that  he  might  fanctity,  and  inftfu6t  that  more  ad 
Ced  period  of  file  in  the  duty  ot  frequenting  the  botlfeof  ( 
and  ot  reforting  to  age,  office  and  experience 
wifdom.      He  advanced  to  maturity 

grown  men  to  practife  fell-denial,   felt-government,  to  be  con- 
tent with  their  lot,  to  repreis  inordinate  defire,   to   a; 


B8  HISTORY  of  fleet.  i$ 

hence  by  learning  tobecome  ufeful.  "  Pie  that  believeth  (hall 
not  make  hafte."  He  remained  thus  long  in  the  fhade,  that 
He  might  teach  his  difciples  to  bear  obfcurity  and  retirement, 
and  to  ceafe  from  premature  afpiring.  He  emerges  at  length" 
into  the  light,  the  feafon  of  open  and  beneficial  exertion  being 
come,  that  he  might  correct  a  fpirit  of  indolence,  irrefoiution 
and  affetled  humility;  and  to  tell  every  ma'n,  that  he  is  fent 
into  the  world  to  aft  an  important  part,  that  he  is  entrufted 
with  talents  for  the  employment  of  which  he  is  accountable, 
that  God  and  his  fellow  creatures  have  claims  upon  him>  which 
he  muft  fatisfy  at  his  peril. 

The  approach  of  Jefus  to  Jordan  is  perceived  and  announc- 
ed by  the  Baptift.  The  Spirit  which  enabled  Simeon  to  dif- 
cern  the  Saviour  in  the  perfon  of  a  little  child,  when  prefent- 
ed  in  (he  temple,  now  difclofes  to  the  eye  of  the  Prophet, 
who  came  in  the  fpirit  and  power  of  Elias,-  the  fame  divine 
Perfon  on  the  eve  of  entering  upon  his  public  miaiftry.  He 
fufpends  for  a  moment  the  employment  of  teaching  and  bap- 
tizing the  multitude,  in  which  he  was  engaged,  to  point  out 
to  them  ''the  Lamb  of  God  which  taketh  away  the  fin  of  the 
World."  "  As  the  people  were  in  expectation,  and  all  men 
mufed  in  their  hearts  of  John  whether  he  were  the  Chrift  or 
not  ;  John  anfwered,  faying  unto  them  all,  I  indeed  baptize 
you  with  water  ;  but  one  mightier^than  I  cometh,  the  latched 
of  whofe  (hoes  I  am  not  worthy  to  unloofe  :  he  mail  baptize 
you  with  the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  with  fire." 

John,  at  firft,  m^deftly  declines  the  exercife  of  his  ofSce 
in  a  cafe  fo  very  extraordinary.  Hitherto  he  had  taught  only 
the  ignorant  and  vicious  and  baptized  only  the  impure,  in 
the  view  of  preparing  them  to  receive  the  blefiings  of  the 
approaching  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  felf- righteous  Pharifees, 
unbelieving,  profligate  Sadducees,  rapacious  publicans,  fedi- 
tious,  violent  and  difcnmented  foldiers,  fuch  were  the  men 
who  came  to  his  baptifm.  But  here  the  application  is  made 
by  Him  "who  is  holy,  h*rmlefs,  undefiled,  feparate  from 
finners  :  who  did  no  fin,  neither  was  guile  found  in  his  lips." 
This,  prophet  as  he  was,  confounds  all  he  Baptift's  ideas  of 
propriety,  and  he  exclaims  :  "  I  have  need  to  be  baptized  of 
thee,  and  corned  thou  to  me  ?"  The  reply  of  Chrift  unfolds  his 
fpirit,  and  convpys  to  us  many  a  ufeful  leOon  :  "  Suffer  it  to 
be  fo  now  ;  for  thus  it  becometh  us  to  fulfil  all  righteoufnefs." 
Perfect  purity  can  fuffer  no  contamination  from  intercourfe 
with  the  unclean  ;  the  impure  pollute  each  other  and  the  con- 
tagion fpreads.     Conformity  in  things  innocent  and  lawful  is 

a-duty 


Left.    IX.]  JESUS    CHRiiV, 

a  duty  impofed  by  decency,  kindnefs  and  regard  to  peaqe;  dif- 
fent  merely  for  the  fake  of  difTem  is  a  mixture  of  pride  and  big- 
otry. That  may  be  admitted  under  peculiar  circumftai 
which  is  not  to  be  drawn  into  a  precedent,  nor  eftabli 
general  rule.  A  public  character  is  concerned  to  ftudy  his  own 
dignity,  and  the  propriety  and  confiflency  of  hil  conduct.  The 
queflion  is  not  what  he  may  do,  but  what  it  becomes  him  to  do. 
*'  Things  lovely  and  or  good  report"  muff  be  thought  of  to- 
gether with  things  that  are  "  true,  honeff ,  juft  and  pure."  It 
became  Him  to  give  public  teftimony  to  the  baptifm  of  John, 
the  baptifm  of  repentance,  becaufe  it  led  dir  &ly  to  his  owti 
miffion,  and  to  the  kingdom  which  He  was  about  to  eftablifli 
in  the  world.  It  betam?  him  to  put  refpecl:  on  every  inititu- 
tion,  ceremonial  as  well  as  moral,  that  had  the  fanclion  of  di- 
vine authority,  of  general  ufe,  or  of  obvious  utility.  The  cere- 
monial law  required  "divers  warnings,"  and  the  immerfion  of 
the  body  in  water  was  by  no  means  a  novel  practice  introduced 
"by  John,  but  tranfmitted  through  the  fucceeding  ages  or  the 
legal  difpenfation,  and  compliance  with  it  our  Lord  confiders 
as  part  of.  ''the  fulfilling  ot  all  righteoufnefs, M  and  therefore  as 
incumbent  on  himfelf,  being  the  great  pattern  of  propriety. 
We  find  him,  on  another  occafion,  fubmitting  to  an  arbitrary 
impofition,  that  he  might  not  feem  to  give  offence,  in  the 
matter  of  the  tribute  money,  and  p  rforrmng  a  miracle  rather 
than  fhew  difiefpe6t  to  government  "  Left  we  fhould  of- 
fend thern,"  fays  he  to  Peter,  M  go  thou  to  the  fea,  and  caff  an 
hook,  and  take  up  the  fiih  that  firfl:  cometh  up  ;  and  when 
thou  hart:  opened  his  mouth  thou  malt  find  a  piece  of  money  : 
that  take,  and  give  unto  them  for  me  and  thee."  Thus  he 
not  only  "  fulfilled,"  to  an  iota,  "  all  righteoufnefs,"  prefcribed 
by  the  law,  but  fubmitted  himfeif  to-the  "  ordinance  of  man, 
for  the  Lord's  fake" 

But  there  was  a  farther  vieto  in  this  folemn  transition. 
The  Median  muff  be  publicly  fet  apart  to  the  execution  ot 
his  high  prophetic  office,  and  He  prefers  the  baptifm  of  John 
as  the  mode  of  performing  that  auguft  ceremony.  He  paffes 
through  the  water  into  the  reign  ot  Grace  ;  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  was  now  come,  and  ftich  was  his  humble  entry  into 
it.  But  this  voluntary  defcent  is  to  be  immediately  followed 
by  a  rife  into  glory  which  eclipfes  all  the  glory  of  tfrs  world, 
Samuel  anointed  Saul  with  a  vial,  and  afterwards  David  with 
a  horn  ot  material  oil  ;  the  Prince  "  upon  the  throne  ot  David, 
of  the  increafe  of  whofe  government  and  peace  there  mould 
be  no  end,"  is  anointtd  with  the  Holy  Spirit.     The  numerous 

M  and 


iiisrony  of  fLecl.  ix 


and  founding  titles  of  earthly  potentates  are,  at  their  inaugura- 
tion, proclaimedby  found  oi  trumpet;  the  fimple  title  of  the  King 
of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords  is  proclaimed  by  a  voice  from  heav- 
en. The  eyes  and  ears  of  the  fpeclators  at  once  bear  witnefs  to 
the  declaration  of  the  Son  of  God.  "It  came  to  pais,  that 
Terns  alfo  being  baptized,  and  praying,  the  heaven  v  as  open- 
ed, and  the  Holy  Ghoif  defcended  in  a  bodily  fhape,  like  a 
dove,  upon  him,  3nd  a  voice  came  irom  heaven,  which  laid, 
thou  art  my  beloved  Son  ;  in  thee  1  am  well  pleafed."  Paint- 
ers have  prefamed  to  reprefent  this  defcent  of  the  Holy  Ohoft 
under  the  form  of  a  material  dove.  The  defcending.  hovering 
motion,  not  the  bodily  fhape  of  that  bird,  is  furelv  all  that  the 
exprelfion  in  the  Evangelifts  conveys  to  the  mind  As  well 
might  art  attempt  to  paint  the  dazzling  Iuflre  of  flaming  fire, 
or  the  found  oi  the  voice  that  fpake,  or  the  motion  of  the 
fplendid  appearance  which  then  filled  the  fky,  as  pretend  to 
give  precife  and  permanent  form  to  an  apparition  of  Deity, 
which,  having  fufilled  its  purpofe,  paffed  away. 

Thus,  Chnflians  was  confecrated  to  the  nobleft  work  ever 
undertaken  the  great "  Proohet  that  fhould  come  into  the 
WorkU"V  The  Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth"—"  The  a- 
poflle  and  high  Pried  of  our  profeflion,"  God  "  alfo  bearing 
witnefs,  both  with  figns  and  wonders,  and  with  divers  mira- 
cles, and  gifis  of  the  Holy  Oh  oft,  according  to  his  own  will." 
And  thus  was  fulfilled  the  Scripture  which  faith  :  "  There 
fhall  come  forth'a  rod  out  of  the  flem  of  JefTe,  and  a  branch 
ihall  grow  out  of  his  roots  :  and  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  fhall' 
reft  upon  him,  the  fpirit  otwifdom  and  underfbnding,  the  fpir- 
it  of  counfel  and  might,  the  fpirit  of  knowledge  and  of 
the  fear  of  the  Lord  ;  and  mall  make  him  of  quick  under- 
Handing  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  ;  and  he  fhall  not  judge  after 
the  fight  of  his  eyes,  neither  reprove  after  the  bearing  of  his 
ears  :  but  with  righteoufnefs  fhall  he  judge  the  poor,  and  re- 
prove with  equity  for  the  meek  of  the  earth:  and  he  fhall 
fmite  the  earth  with  the  rod  of  his  mouth,  and  with  the  breath 
of  his  lips  fhall  he  flay  the  wicked.  And  righteoufnefs  mall 
be  the  girdle  of  his  loins,  and  faithfulnefs  the  girdle  of  his 
reins."  And  thus  is  the  church  of  Chrift  founded  upon  a 
rock,  "  and  the  gates  of  hell  (hall  not  prevail  againft  it." 

hit  unwonhv  of  remark,  that  this  teitimony  to  the  Son  of 
God,  from  "  the  excellent  glory,"  was  given  while  he  was 
praying  P  "  As  He  prayed"  alfo,  en  the  mount  of  transfigura- 
tion, a  firriilar  teftrfnony  was  exhibited,  "  There  came  a  cloud, 
and  'overfiindowcd  them  :  and  there  came  a  voice  out  of  the 
cloud  faying,  This  is  my  beloved  Son  ;  hear  Him."  Again. 
'     °  while 


Left.  IX.J  JESUS   CHRIST.  qi 

while  Jefus  prayed,  "  Father,  glorify  thy  name  ;"  the  tefliim- 
rry  from  on  high  was  repeated.  "  Then  came  there  a  voice 
from  heaven  faying,  I  have  both  glorified  it,  and  will  glorify 
it  again."  Such  is  the  promptitude  of  intercommunication 
between  earth  and  heaven.  So  rapidly  afcend  the  breathings 
of  a  devout  fpirit  to  the  throne  of  God  ;  lo  fwiftly  defcend 
the  tokens  of  "good- will  to  men."  "The  e  fT»6>  upa  I,  fervent 
n.  yer  of  a  righteous  mm.  availetli  much."  And  if  the  earneft 
praver  of  an  Kla  had.  power  to  bind  up  the  clouds  of  heav- 
en for  y  ar  together,  and  to  fruit-  a  guilty  land  with  thirft  and' 
famine  ;  how  much  more  powerful  mult  be  the  prayer  of 
the  great  Interceflbr,  that  "  m  the  wilderftefs  waters  i 
break  out,  and  ftr earns  in  the  defect  ;"  that  "  the  parched 
ground  may  become  a  pool,  and  thethirfty  laud  rprings  of  water!'* 
Therefore  alfo  "  men  ought  always  to  pray,  and  not  to  faint," 

Here  are  the  "  Three  that  hear  record  in  heaven,  the  Fath- 
er, the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghoft  :  and  thefe  three  are  one." 
<4  Who  can  by  fearching  find  out  God  :  Who  can  find  out 
the  Alm'ghty  unto  perfection  ?"  Who  is  able  to  compre- 
hend what  is  the  breadth  and  length,  and  depth,  and  height  ; 
and  to  know  the  love  of  Chrift  which  pafTeth    knowledge  r" 

We  have  made  no  remark  on  the  mode  of  bautifm  which 
John  employed,  becaufe  it  might  lead  h>  controverfy,  which 
is  unprofitable,  to  the  neglect  of  practical  "  goodnefs,"  which 
"  is  profitab  e  unto  all  things."  "  Let  every  man  be  fully 
perfuaded  in  his  own  mind."  "  Why  dolt  thou  judge  thy 
brother  ?  or  why  doll  thou  fet  at  nought  thy  brother  ?  '  *'  Who 
art  thotd  that  judgeft  another  man's  fcrvant  ?  to  his  own  maf- 
ter  he  ftandeth  or  falleth."  Let  the  fpirit  ot  the  ordinance  be 
chiefly  attended  to  :  wife  and  good  men  may  very  innocent- 
ly differ  about- the  form.  "It  is  the  fpirit  that  quickened]," 
the  outward  form  is  of  fecondary  importance. 

Parents,  have  ye  devoted  your  infant  offspring  to    God,    by 
the  fprinkling  with   water  ?  Remember   the    folcmn    engage- 
ments which  you  then  voluntarily  undertook   to  bring  them 
up  in  the  fear,  M  nurture  and  admonition  ot  the  Lord."     Med- 
itate  frequently    and    ferioufiy    on     the    refponlibiiity     under 
wbich  you  are  laid,  to  God,  to. your   children,    to   the   world. 
Your  fell  vV  worlhippers  will  witnefs  ag*inft  you,    if   you    tri- 
fle  with,  if  you  neglect    if  you    corrupt    your    facred   charge. 
.  'young  ones  look  up  to  you  for  protection.    1  >r   inihuc- 
tion,  for  an  example  :  they  call  upon  yon  to  lulfrl  your    prom, 
n  their  behalf.     They  afk  bread  ot   you.;  Will   you  give 
h. a. (Ions?  Theyafkafifh;  Will   you  give  them  a   fer- 

pent  } 


£2  ISTOR'Y    0*  (Xeri.   IK, 

pent  ?  They  look  to  you  for  the  portion  er  goods  that  falU 
trh  to  iheirfhare  ;  not  only  "  the  meat  which  peri  (he  h,  but 
teat  which  endureth  uiro  everlafting  life."  It  you  are 
unfaithful- they  are  undone.  On  the  other  hand,  "great  it 
your  reward"  on  earth,  and  ftill  greater  "  your  reward  in 
heaven,"  if  you  are  honoured  to  become  their  fpiritual  parents, 
as  you  are  parents  after  the  flelh  ;  if,  after  having  introduced 
them  into  this  world  ot  nature,  you  are  made  the  happy  in- 
ftruments  ot  introducing  them  into  the  kingdom  of  God;  if 
\  ou  and  they  together  are  at  length  added  "  to  the  general  af- 
fembly  and  church  ot  the  firil-born,  which  are  written  in 
heaven,  and  to  the  ipirits  of  juftmen  made  perfecT,"  through 
Jeius  the  mediator  of  the  new  covenant,  and  the  "  blood  of 
ipnnkling   that  .'peketh  better  things  than  that   of  Abel." 

Young  man,  thou  weft  ia  early  infancy,  by  the  piety  of 
affectionate  parents  baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
or  the  Sun,  an  1  ot  the  Holy  Gholt.  The  birth  ot  nature  bef- 
don  thee  the  name  ot  thy  Father  after  the  flefh  ;  when 
r  ou  t'ert  fprinkled  with  water,  another  name  was  prefixed  to 
h  continues  to  be  thy  diftinclive  appellation.  Both 
were  indeed  impoferi  without  thy  confeioufnefs  or  confent,  but 
in  both  thou  hall  cheerfully  acquiefced,  perhaps  they  are  a, 
fource  of  pride  to  thee.  Even  the  acqniiition  of  an  eliate 
will  hardly  induce  a  mdn  of  fpirit  to  forego  his  parental  de- 
flation hut  the  Chriflian  name  is  indelible.  Every  time 
tbou  writeil  it  then,  every  time  thou  hearefl  it  addrefled  to 
thfe,  thou  art  admonifhed  ot  thy  dedication  to  God.  Baptif- 
mal  engagements  rife  into  view.  "I  am  not  my  own,  ior  I 
an;  bought  with  a  price.  What  deny  my  name!  What,  fell 
it  :oi  a  painted  bauble  !  No,  I  glory  in  it ;  I  will  not  permit 
it  to  be  dishonoured.  What  my  parents  did  in  my  behalf 
-when  I  was  a  little  child,  I  now  openly  avow.  They  have 
cone  their  part,  through  the  help  ot  God  I  will  do  mine, 
The  name  of  Chi  ill  fliall  not  be  blafphemed  through  my  un- 
worthineis.  My  brothers  bear  with  me  the  common  name  of 
our  anceftors,  but  I  will  render  my  own  diflinguifhed  among 
many  brethren.  I  will  never  bluih  at  being  called  a  Chrif, 
tian  " 

My  friend,  thou  hail  paffed  through  the  water  at  the  age  of 
puberty.  Baptifm  was  thy  own  acf  and  deed.  Thou  haft  en- 
tered into  the  kingdom  ol  God,  confeioufly,  deliberately.  The 
vows  of  God  are  upon  thee.     That  young  perfon,  made  a  chrif- 

\  \  by  the  ad  ot  parents,  when    come  to  years  may  difallow 

Ijbat 


Left.    IX.]  JESUS   CHRIST,  93 

that  aft,  may  renounce  the  name,  but  thou  haft  (ubfcribed  with 
thy  hand  unto  the  Lord. 

Thou  haft  put  the  yoke  of  Chrift  upon  thy  own  neck  and 
haft  aiTumed  his  burthen.  Thou  haft  opened  thy  mouth  unto 
the  Lord,  and  mult  not  look,  muft  not  go  back.  Thou  itandeft 
pledged  to  God  and  to  the  world  to  {upport  the  honour  of  the 
Chriitian  name.  "  to  adorn  the  doftrine  or  God  our  Saviour  in 
all  things."  You  feel  and  acknowledge  the  obligation  ;  no 
temptation,  no  compulfion  can  induce  thee  to  retract  it.  Next 
facramental  foiemnity  the  vow  lhall  be  renewed,  repeated. 
The  language  or  thy  heart  is:  "  1  am  not  afhamed  or  the  gof- 
pel  ot  Chrift:  for  it  is  the  power  of  God  unto  falvation,  to 
every  one  that  believeth  :"  'k  God  forbid  that  I  fhould  glory, 
fave  in  the  crofs  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  by  whom  the  world 
is  crucified  unto  me,  and  I  unto  the  world." 

It  the  fpirit  and  power  of  the  inftitution,  we  repeat  it,  are 
thus  underftood  and  fe!t,  let  a  man  pafs  through  water  into  the 
pale  of  the  church  of  Chrift,  or  procure  that  privilege  for  his 
child,  by  the  rite  of  afperfion  as  confcience  may  prefcribe,  and 
ictus  "be  kindly  afteftioned  one  to  another,  with  brotherly 
lo^e  ;  in  honour  preferring  one  another." 

The  Eva-.gelift,  at  this  interval,  prefents  us  with  the  geneal- 
ogical table  of  Chrift's  defcent  from  Adam  downward.  It  brings 
us  all  to  the  common  level  of  brethren.  Through  endlefs  and 
intricate  ramifications  every  man  finds  himfelf  derived  from 
one  and  the  fame  root,  "  the  fon  of  Adam,  the  fon  of  God." 
And  the  Chriftian  is  **  born  again,"  he  is  ■'  a  new  creature," 
being  "  begotten  again  unto  a  lively  hope,  by  the  refurrettion 
ot  Jefus  Chrift  from  the  dead,  to  an  inheritance  incorruptible, 
undefiled,and  that  fadeth  not  away."  The  law  of  nature  binds  us 
to  each  other  as  men,  the  law  ot  thegofpel  doubles  and  ftrength- 
ens  the  cord  of  love.  This  is  Chri  It's  "  new  commandment;'  the 
badge  of  difcipleihip,  "  the  fulfilling  ot  the  law,"  ■«  the  bond  of 
perteftnefs."  "  A  new  commandment,"  fays  our  blefled 
Lord,  "  I  give  unto  you,  That  ye  love  one  another  ;  as  I  have 
loved  you,  that  ye  alfo  love  one  another.  By  this  (hall  all 
men  know  that  ye  are  my  difciples,  it  ye  have  love  one  to 
another." 

Has  God  vouchfafed  to  give  fuch  teftimony  to  the  Son  of 
his  love  ?  Receive  it,  reft  upon  it,  improve  it  as  a  rule  ot  life, 
as  a  fource  of  confolatiop.  Ye  "  have  no!  Followed  cunni  gly 
devifed  tables,  when  we  have  made  known  unto  you  the  pow- 
er and  coming  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift;"  for  though  y 
not  4V  eye-witnefles  of  his  majefty,"  you  have  "  a  more  Cure 
word  ot  prophecy  ;   v/bcreunto  ye  do  well  that  ye  take  bet 


94  HISTORY  OF  [Left.   IX. 

unto  a  light  that  fhineth  in  a  dark  place,  until  the  day  dawn, 
and  the  day-ftar  arife  in  your  hearts." 

Ye  call  Chrift;  '  Aiafterand  Lord  :"  and  ye  fay  well,  for  fo 
He  is.  "  It  became  Him  to  fulfil  all  righteoufnefs  ;"  He  put 
refpecl:  on  the  ordinances,  on  the  houfe,  on  the  word  oi  God  : 
"  leaving  us  an  example,  that  ye  mould  follow  his  fteps."  Let 
the  name,  the  day, ,  the  temple,  the  word  ot  the  Lord  be  hal,- 
Jowed  in  your  eyes.  "  Know  ye  not.  that  fo  many  of  us  as 
were  baptized  into  Jefus  Chrift  were  baptized  into  his  death  ? 
Therefore  we  are  buried  with  him  by  baptifm  into  death  ;  that 
like  as  Chrift  was  raifed  up  from  the  dead,  by  the  glory  of  the 
Father,  even  fo  we  alfo  fhould  walk  in  newnefs  of  lite." 

"  The  Holy  Ghoft  defcended  in  a  bodily  ihapelikea  dove  up- 
on Him  :"  when  He  was  leaving  the  world,  and  going  unto  the 
Father,  he  promifed  his difciples  to  "  give  them  another  Com- 
forter, to  abide  with  them  for  ever  ;  even  the  Spirit  of  truth." 
That  Comforter  was  to  teach  them  all  things  and  bring  all  things 
to  their  remembrance.  "  He  Ihe  wed  himfelt"  to  them  "alive  after 
his  pafhon,  by  many  infallible  proofs:"  He  repeated  his  prom- 
ise •  "  He  commanded  them  that  they  fhould  not  depart  from 
lerufalem,  but  wait  for  the  promife  of  the  Father,  which,  faith 
He  ye  have  heard  of  me.  For  John  truly  baptized  with  wa- 
ter ;  but  ye  (hall  be  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghoft,  not  many 
day's  hence."  It  was  accordingly  fulfilled  :  "  When  the  day 
of  Pentecoft  was  fully  come,  they  were  all  with  one  accord  in 
one  place.  And  fuddenly  there  came  a  found  from  heaven, 
as  of  a  rulhing  mighty  wind,  and  it  filled  all  the  houfe  where 
thev  were  fitting.  And  there  appeared  unto  them  cloven 
tongues,  like  as  of  fire,  and  it  fat  upon  each  of  them  :  and  they 
were  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  began  to  fpeak  with 
other  tongues,  as  the  Spirit  gave  them  utterance."  Thus  were 
they  comforted  for  their  Matter's  departure  ;  thus  they  receiv- 
ed •'  an  unftion  from  the  Holy  One,"  whereby  they  were  fet 
apart  unto,  and  fitted  tor  their  great  work  ;  thus  were  they 
Strengthened  to  begin  and  purine  a  career  which  will  be  felt  till. 
time  expire.  The  fame  Spirit  is  promifed,  and  is  given  to  us 
to  "  help  our  infirmities,"  to  "  guide  us  into  all  truth,"  to  take 
what  is  Chrift's  and  fhew  it  unto  us-,  to  "  comfort  us  in  all  our 
tribulation,"  to  fiiew  us  things  to  come.  We  look  not  for  a 
miraculous  effufion,  to  enable  us  to  fpeak  with  tongues,  to 
prophecy,  to  work  miracles  ;  but  we  have  good  ground  to  afl; 
and  to  hope  that  God  will  give  us  "  the  fpirit  ot  power,  and  o? 
Jove  and  of  a  found  mind."  "  O  fend  out  thy  light  and  thy 
truth  ;  let  them  lead  me,  let  them  bring  me  unto  thy  holy  hi\lt 

and 


Left.  fSt J  JESUS  CHRIST.  95 

and  to  thy  tabernacles  ;  then  will  I  go  unto  the  altar  of   God, 
unto  God  my  exceeding  joy." 

Our  blefTed  Lord  entered  on  his  public  mifliftry  at  the  age 
of  thirty,  and  it  was  accomplifhed  within  the  fpace  of  little 
more  than  three  years.  Think  how  much  was  done  in  that 
fhott  fpace.  Were  the  things  which  Jefus  did,  as  they 
ftand  on  thisrecord,  and  the  V  many  oth<  r  things"  not  re- 
corded therein,  to  be  rt  written  every  one,"  fuoh  would  he 
their  number  and  their  luff  re,  that  they  would  to  the  world 
appear  to  be  absolutely  incredible,  and  therefore  the  world 
would  not  be  difpofed  to  receive  them.  Here  we  have  an  il- 
lult'ious  pattern  of  the  employment,  of  the  improvement  ot  time. 
•*  I  muff  work."  fays  he,  '  the  works  of  Him  that  lent  me,  while 
it  is  day;"  the  duty  of  the  feafon  initsfeafon.  How  ought  wc  to 
blufh  at  our  laborious  idlenefs,  at  our  pompous  nothings  ! 
Whaf  have  we  to  Ihew  for  our  thirty,  forty,  fitly,  threefcore 
years  ?  Hardly  enough  to  furnim  a  decent  infeription  tor  a 
tomoftone.  Were  the  hiflory  ot  the  moft  induftrious  and 
ufeful  life  to  be  fairly  delineated,  the  world  would  have  caufe 
to  wonder  at  the  freqient  and  hideous  chafms,  the  wild  con- 
fufion,  the  indecent  rapidity,  the  caufelefs  delay  which  the 
detail  would  prefent.  Whata  piclure  then  muff  the  life  of 
(he  protefTedly  idle  and  diflipa  ed.  of  the  profligate  and  vi- 
cious exhibit  !  All  enters  into  the  book  of  God's  remem- 
brance, and  muff  all  come  into  judgment.  What  precious  time, 
what  invaluable  opportunities  ot  doing  and  of  receiving  good, 
have  been  fliametully  neglecled,  have  been  vilely  caff  a- 
way  ! 

What  moment  granted  man  without  account  ? 
What  years  are  l^uaader'd,  Wifdom'i  debt  unpaid  ! 

Night  Thouchts,  II,  30. 

Much  is  irretrievably  loft.  Who  knows  how  little  may  re- 
main ?  •■  Now  it  is  high  time  to  awake  out  ot  ileep  :  the 
night  is  far  fpent  the  day  is  at  hand  :  let  us  therefore  caff  off 
the  works  ot  darknefs,  and  let  us  put  on  the  armour  of  1  ght. 
Let  us  walk  honeftly  as  in  the  day,"  and  "  put  ye  on  t\\c 
Lord  Jefus  Chrift."  "  Awake  thou  that  ileepeft.  and  arife 
from  the  dead,  *nd  Chrift  fhall  give  thee  light.  See  that  ye 
walk  circumlpectly  not  as  fools  but  as  wile,  redeeming  the 
time,  becaufe  the  days  are  evil." 


.ZCTURE 


96  HISTORY  o£  [Left.  x. 


LECTURE     X. 


MATT.  IV.   1  — XI. 

Then  was  Jefus  led  up  of  the  fpirit  into  the  wildernefs,  to  be 
tempted  of  the  devil.  And  when  he  had  fa/led  forty  days  and 
jorty  nights ',  he  was  afterward  an  hungered.  And  when  the 
tempter  came  to  him  he  /aid,  if  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  com- 
mand that  thefe  Jlones  be  made  bread.  But  he  anfwered  and 
faid,  it  is  written,  manfliall  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by  ev- 
ery word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth  of  God.  And  the 
devil  takech  him  up  into  th?  holy  city,  and  fetteth  him  on  a 
pinnacle  of  the  temple,  andfaith  unto  him,  %j  thou  be  the  Son  of 
God,  cafl  thy  J  elf  down  :  for  it  is  written,  hefliall  give  his  an- 
gels charge  concerning  thee:  and  in  their  hands  they  fhall 
bear  thee  up,  leflat  any  time  thou  dafh  thy  foot  againft  aflone, 
Jefus  faid  unto  him,  it  is  written  again,  thou  fhalt  not  tempt 
the  Lord  thy  God.  Again  the  devil  taktth  him  up  into  an  ex- 
ceeding high  mountain,  and fheweth  him  alt  the  kingdoms  of 
the  worid,  and  the  glory  of  them,  and  faith  unto  him,  all 
thefe  things  will  I  give  thee,  if  thou  wilt  fall  down  and  wot- 
(hip  me.  Then  faith  Jefus  unto  him,  get  th-e  hence,  fatan  ; 
for  it  is  written,  thou  fhalt  worfh'p  the  Lord  thy  Gud,  and 
him  only  fhalt  thou  ferve.  Then  the  devil  leaveth  him,  and, 
behold,  angels  came  and  miniflered  unto  him. 

WONDERFUL  is  the  influence  which  external  obje8s 
poflefs  over  the  mind  of  man  :  wonderful  it  is  to  refleft 
how  body  and  fpirit  aft  upon  each  other.  On  a  hmple  determ- 
ination oi  the  will,  every  limb  is  in  motion,  every  nerve  is  ex- 
erted;  and  the  man  is  burning  under  the  line,  or  freezing  at 
the  pole.  Let  the  blood  be  tranfmitted  with  a  little  more  than 
ufual  rapidity, or  move  a  little  more  fluggiihly,  and  al)  the  mental 
faculties  are  deranged,  a  new  world  arifes,  every  former  idea  is 
blotted  out.  The  glance  of  that  eye,  at  one  time,  chills  me 
with  tenor,  and  at  another  it  melts  me  into  love.  This  note 
roufes  me  to  the  battle  ;  and  that  (bothes  me  into  melancholy. 
Internal  ferenity  and  depreffion  are  produced  by  a  clearer  or 
groffer  ftate  of  the  air.  And  if  we  are  thus  liable  to  be  aflefted 
by  obje&s  merely  material,  what  mu  ft  be  the  influence  of  mind 

upon 


Left.  x.J  jesus  Christ.  57 

upon  mind!  How  powerful  muft  be  the  fympathy,how  prompt 
the  communication  of  kindred  fpirits,  intuitively  perceiving 
and  interchanging  mutual  fentiments  of  kindnefs,  gratitude  or 
efteem!  Who  can  conceive  or  explain  the  influence  which  be- 
ings wholly  fpiritual  may  exercifc  over  the  human  fpecies, 
creatures  compofed  of  matter  and  fpirit,  whofe  fenfes,  whofe 
imagination,  whofe  memory,  whofe  underftanding,  all  are  fo 
cafily  imprefBble? 

Of  all  the  faculties  which  fpiritual  beings  pcffefs,  that  of 
rendering  themfelves  the  objects  of  fenfe  mod  of  all  exceeds 
our  comprehenfion.  They  prefent  a  form,  they  utter,  and  re- 
ceive, and  return  articulate  founds,  and  anon  they  are  "  van- 
ished into  air,  thin  air  "  The  appearance  of  Gabriel  to  Zach- 
arias  and  to  Mary,  and  of  the  multitude  of  the  heavenly  hod 
to  the  fhepherds,  is  a  finking  demonffration  of  it.  We  have 
before  us  another  inftance  ot  this  aftonifhing  faculty,  in  a  fpir- 
it ot  a  very  different  character,  and  for  a  very  different  pur- 
pofe— Satan,  the  deftroyer,  "  foe  to  God  and  man,'*  tempting 
Chrift  in  the  wildernefs. 

The  two  Evangelifts,  who  have  given  us  the  hiftory  of  this 
temptation  in  detail,  differ  only  in  refpe£t  of  the  order  of  the 
Sa&s  related,  that  which  is  placed  fecond  in  St.  Matthew's 
Gofpel  is  the  third  in  Luke's,  and  that  which  is  the  fecond  in 
Luke  is  the  third  in  Maithew.  We  have  chofen  to  follow  the 
hfer,  becaufe,  as  he  was  fliortly  after  called  to  the  office  of  a- 
poftlefhip,  he  probably  received  the  hiflory  from  Chrift's  own 
rnouth  ;  and  becaufe  the  words  which  He  addrelfes  to  the 
wicked  one,  in  the  clofe  of  the  third  temptation,  according  to 
Matthew's  ftatement  ot  it,  u  Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan,"  feem 
to  have  concluded  the  fcene.  This  flight  difference,  however, 
ferves  only  to  confirm  the  authenticity  of  both  historians,  as  it 
is  a  proof  that  the  one  did  not  copy  from  the  other.  We  now 
proceed  to  the  temptation  itfelf. 

"  And  when  the  tempter  came  to  him,  he  faid,  if  thou  be  the 
Son  ot  God,  command  that  thefe  ftones  be  made  bread."  At- 
tend to  the  feafon  which  he  laid  hold  of.  It  was  at  the  mo- 
ment that  he  faw  Jefus ready  to  faint  with  hunger.  Aitend  to 
the  place  ;  it  was  in  the  wildernefs,  which  produced  nothing 
fit  for  food  Attend  to  the  fuggeftion  ;  it  preients  nothing  ap- 
parently offenfive.  He  only  wifhes  a  little  feaf.mable  relief  to 
one  under  the  preffure  of  the  greateft  diftrefs,  and  that  relief 
procured  by  means  at  once  fimple  and  inno«  ent.  The  law 
had  relaxed  fomewhat  ot  its  fe verity  in  favour  ot  cafes  like  the 
prefent,  by  exempting  from  the  punifhment  of  theft,  the  per- 
fonwhohad  committed  it  only  to  fatisfy  his  hunger.  But 
N  here 


qg  history  of  fLefr.  Jfc. 

Here  there  was  not  the  (hadow  of  a  crime  ;  He  had  but  to  em^ 
ploy  the  power  which  he  certainly  poffefled,  and  which  he 
lawfully  might  exercife.  It  would  be  a  dernonftration  of  hir 
immediate  reliance  on  his  heavenly  Father  ;  it  would  remove 
all  doubt  refpeftin?  the  divinity  of  his  mif^on  ;  Who  could  re= 
f'ufe  to  acknowledge  Him  who  was  thus  declared  to  be  the  Son 
of  God  ?  Hf  him  I  elf  wants  only  this  proof,  to  induce  him, 
like  another  Heiod,  to  fall  down'and'worfriip  him. 

It  is  clear  that  the  tempter,  when  he  ufed  the  expreflion  u  the 
Son  of  God,"  did  not  fully  apprehend"  trie  import  of  what  he  , 
faid.  that  He  did  not  mean  by  it  to  acknowledge  the  ivinitv  of 
the  Saviour.  Had  he  known  with  whom  h*  had  to  do,  Durtl 
lie  have  undertaken  to  tempt  and  feduce  him  ?  By  ■  the  Son 
of  God,"  therefore,  he  underftands  only  a  Prophet  of  diltin- 
guifhed  rank,  fuperior  to  all  others,  of  pre-eminent  virtue  and 
ihent,  endowed  with  higher  giftsand  powers,  chofen  and  com- 
riii (Honed  of  Providence  for  the  converfionand  fal nation  of  the 
world,  and  of  confluence  infinitely  dear  to  God.  In  this 
perfuafion  his  objeel  is  an  attempt  to  defea*  the  plan  of  Provi- 
dence, to  counteract  the  meafures  of' Heaven,  and,  as  he  had 
fucceeded  in  the  feduclion  of  the  reprefentativehead  of  the  hu- 
man race,  he  entertained  the  infernal  hope  of  prevailing  alfo 
over  its  Reftor&r  and  Redeemer.  He  wouict  dive,  therefore, 
to  the  bottom  ofthe  character  oi  Him,  for  whofe  appearance 
in  the  world  (uch  mighty  preparation  had  been  made  and  whom- 
a  feries  of  circum fiances  the  rrioft  extraordinary  had  pointed 
out  as  the  peculiar, care  of  heaven.  The  operation  of  a  mira- 
cle will  one  way  or  another  ferve  to  clear  this  up.  The  con- 
verfion  of  (tones  into  bread  appearing  to  him  an  impoifihility6 
if  Chrift  refufes  to  perforin  it,  an  imputation  lies  againft  his 
power  ;  it  he  undertake  without  effecting  it,  his  divine  million 
is  rendered  queftionable.  Can  he  be  God's  beloved  Son,  if 
he  withhold  the  concurrence  of  omnipotence  in  a  fituation 
where  it  is  of  fuch  high  importance  to  determine  what  he  in 
truth  is  ?  And  again,  on  the  other  hand,  if  Jefus  pay  any  at- 
tention whatever  to  the  fuggeflions  of  Satan,  he  cannot  be  the 
Son  of  God,  for  that  were  to  betray  ignorance  of  the  perfon 
who  accofts  him,  and  of  the  defign  which  he  entertained. 

Mark  ftill  farther  "  the  depths  of  Satan."  He  too,  unhap- 
pily, knows  what  is  in  man  :  and  he  well  knew  what  a  ftimu- 
•ltis'it  is  to  a  mind  ever  fo  (lightly  tinctured  with  pride  or  vain- 
glory when  placed,  efpecially  in  eminence  of  ftation,  to  have 
the  power  and  authority  of  that  ilation  called  in  queftion* 
The  temptation  has,  in  this  view  the  air  of  a  challenge  to 
Shrift,  to  fupport  his  high  pretenfions  by  correfponding  ac- 
tions* 


ILcct.  X.j  JESUS  CRRIST.  Ofe 

*ions,  and  thus  he  would  draw  Him  into  a  ram,  imprudent, 
vain-glorious  difplay  ot  his  power,  without  a  reafon  and 
without  an  end.  Miracles  are  intended,  and  performed  tor 
the  converfion  of  the  incredulous,  at  leafl:  for  their  conviclion 
-and  to  render  them  inexcufable.  Unlefs  this  be  in  view, 
power  ceafes  to  be  under  the  direHion  ot  wifdom.  Accord- 
ingly we  find  that  whenever  haughty,  determined  unbeliev- 
ers expe&ed  or  demanded  a  fign,  it  was  conftantly  denied 
them.  What,  has  the  Father  entrufted  him  with  his  authori- 
ty, to  fatisfy  a  malignant  curiofity  :  and  (hall  ihat  power  be 
Javifhed  away,  in  humouring  the  obltinate  and  incorrigible, 
which  is  defigned  for  the  inltrutHon  and  confirmation  ot  luch 
as  love  and  fee k.  the  truth?  How,  'Satan  call  on  Chiifl  to 
work  a  miracle  ?  and  lor  what  end  ?  that  he  might  believe  in 
him  ?  Was  the  object  of  his  mi  (Ron  to  reftore  '*  angels  who  had 
left  their  fir  ft  eftate."  Had  Chrift,  then,  at  the  requifition  ot 
Satan,  performed  a  miracle,  he  could  have  noihng  in  view 
but  an  oftentatious  exhibition  or  the  gilts  committed  to  him, 
which  was  all  that  the  tempter  wanted. 

This  leads  to  a  general  obfervation  on  the  wifdom  and 
moderation  which  ever  governed  our  L  ord's  conduct,  in  this 
refpect.  As  he  never  employed  his  power  for  the  purpofes 
of  his  own  glory,  becaufe  h<*  fought  only  that  ot  his  heavenly 
Father,  fo  he  never  exercifed  it  to  promote  his  own  advantage  ; 
Charity,  not  felt-love,  dictated  all  his  words,  all  his  actions. 
He  withdraws,  he  retires,  when  he  meant  to  provide  for  his 
own  fafety  ;  and  He  remains  upon  the  crofs  when  infidelity 
defied  him  to  come  down.  An  amiable  view  of  the  Son  of 
God  !  In  Him  all  power  appears  enthroned,  with  wildom 
ftanding  on  the  right  hand,  and  charily  on  the  left  ;  and  it  is 
acling  continually  in  conformity  to  rheir  advice.  How  then 
does  he  efcape  the  fnare  laid  for  him  by  the  devil  with  fuch 
dexterity  and  artifice  ?  By  an  anfwer  artlefsly  fimple,  but  at 
the  fame  time  exactly  pointed,  and  directly  to  the  purpofe* 
The  Ifraelites,  when  prclTed  by  famine,  bread  failing  them  in 
the  wildernefs,  were  iuftained  for  forty  years  by  manna  falling 
day  by  day  from  heaven  ;  God  fubftituting  in  place  of  bread, 
the  common  aliment  of  man.  a  celeftiat  fo^d,  denominated  in 
Scripture  "  Angel's  bread,"  probdbly  becaufe  it  was  prepared 
and  difpenfed  by  the  mi»iftration  ot  angels.  This  gives  occa- 
fion  to  Mofes  to  obforTe,  in  recapitulating  «4*e  conduit  of 
Providence  toward  th#i people,  '  the  L>rd  thf  God  led  thee 
thefe  forty  years  in  the  wildernefs,  to  humble  thee,  and  to 
prove  thee,  to  kno\f  what  was  in   th'ne   heart,   whether   thou 

wouldett 


iOO  HISTORY  of  [Left,  x, 

wouldeft  keep  his  commandments,  or  no.  And  he  humbled 
thee  and  differed  thee  to  hunger,  and  led  thee  with  manna, 
which  thou  kneweft  not,  neither  did  thy  fathers  know,  that 
he  might  rmke  thee  kn  >w  that  man  doth  not  live  by  bread  on- 
ly, but  by  every  word  that  proceedeth  0,111  of  the  mouth  of  the 
Lord  doth  man  live." 

Jefus  was  now  in  a  fituation.  exaclly  (imilar  to  that  ot  the 
Israelites,  in  the  barren  wildernefs,  conducted  thither  by  the 
Spirit  of  God,  following  the  deftination  ot  divine  Providence  ; 
hunger  prefTes,  and  the  demon  urges  him  t©  find  a  fupply  by 
con  verting  (tones  into  bread.  "  There  is  no  occafion  to 
have  recourfe  to  this,  or  to  any  other  extraordinary,  uncom- 
manded  means,"  is  the  Saviour  %  reply,  "  the  unlimited  pow- 
er of  my  Father  in  heaven  is  not  fubjected  to  the  neceflity  of 
fupportmg  thofe  who  are  following  the  leadings  ot  his  Spirit 
and  Providence,  by  bread  alone  ;  it  has  an  infinity  of  other 
methods  to  fupply  their  wants,  to  provide  for  their  fubfiftence. 
Knoweft  thou  not  what  he  did  to  the  Fathers  in  the  defert,  as 
I  now  am,  and  what  the  Scripture  faith  upon  the  fubjeft, 
"  Man  mall  not  live  by  bread  alone,  but  by  every  word  that 
proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth  of  God,"  that  is  through  any 
other  medium,  "  and  by  any  other  fubftance  which  he  fhali 
pleafe  to  appoint,  and  to  which  he  fhali  affix  his  blefling." 
It  is  thus  that  Jefus  inftrucis  his  difciples  to  wield  "  the  f  word 
of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word  ot  God  ;"  thus  he  confounds 
the  tempter,  and,  without  calling  himfeit  the  Son  of  God.  or 
proving  that  he  was  fo  by  working  a  miracle,  he  fatisfies  him- 
feit with  making  the  adveriary  feel  it  by  the  wifdom  ol  his  an- 
fwer,  by  his  confidence  in  God,  and  by  a  patient  and  pro- 
found fubm  flion  to.  his  will. 

How  mortifying  is  ^tke. contrail  between  the  perfeverance  ot 
wickednefs  in  the  worft  of  caufes,  and  the  faintnefs  and  lan- 
guor ot  human  virtue  in  puriuing  the  heft!  We  are  eafily 
difcouraged,  we  are  foon  weary  ot  well-doing,  but  the  enemy  of 
our  falvation  is  indefatigable,  he  goeth  about  continually,  he 
returns  ftill  to  the  charge.  He  has  failed  in  his  firft  attempt, 
but  he  is  determined  to  make  another.  He  goes  on  a  princi- 
ple but  too  ftrongly  verified  by  melancholy  experience,  that 
every  man,  and  in  Chrift  he  fees  nothing  yet  but  a  man, 
that  every  man  has  his  weak  fide,  fome  fin  that  doth  more  ea- 
fily befet  b.m,  fome  leading  propenfuy  that  rules  him  at  pleaf- 
ure,  and  which  makes  intereft,  and  lcafon,  and  confeience, 
and  every  thing  bend  to  it.  Let  the  tempter  but  find  this 
out,  and  the  whole  man  is  his  pwn.  He  finds  Jefus  invulner- 
able on  the  fide  of  fenle  and  vain-glory  ;  he  has  efcaped  the 

(pare 


Lecrf,X.]  JESUS   CHRIST.  l0l 

ftiare  by- the"  wife  and  feafonableapplication  of  Scripture  ;  but 
may  not  a  net  be  woven  to  entangle  him,  whofe  cords  mail  be 
drawn  from  Scripture  itfelf  ?  Here,  in  my  appreheniion,  lies 
the  force  of  the  fecond  temptation*  It  is  of  a  piece  with  the 
temptation  which  prevailed  over  "the  man  oi  God"|who  ex- 
claimed again:!:  'he  aitar  which  Jeroboam  had  ere&ed,  ''  I  am 
a. Prophet  alfoas  ihou  art,  and  an  an^el  fpake  unto  me  by  the 
word  oi  the  Lord,"  and  (he  tempter  flattered  himfelf  it  would 
be  as  readily  believed,  and  therein  the  deceiver  deceived  him- 
felf. 

"Then  the  devil  taketh  him,"  fays  the  Evangelift,  "up 
into  the  holy  city,  that  is,  Jeruidlein,  and  (etteih  him  on  a 
pinnacle  of  the  temple,"  probably  the  fummit  of  one  of  ihe 
porticos,  which  termin  it-d  in  a  platform,  and  were  Uirround- 
ed. by  a  battlement,  for.  the  p. nm.  le  of-  the  temple  propyl  ly 
fo  called,  was  macceiliblc,  being  lzniihcd  in  form  of  a  dome, 
{tuck  full  of  marp  paints  gilded  over  to  prevent  the  buds 
trom  perching  upon  it.  Joftplms-  reprefents  thefe  porticos, 
efpecially  that  on  the  fouth,  as  of  a  height  lo  prodigious, 
from  the  depth  of  the  valley  below,  that  no  head  tould  look, 
downward  without  becoming  giddy.  It  was  to  this  awlul  em- 
inence that  Satan  was  permitted  to  tranfport  from  the  wilder, 
nefs  the  Son  ot  God,  and  there  to  propofe  to  him  to  make  ex- 
periment of  the  power,  truth  and  faithlujnefs  ot  God,  laying, 
"  If  thou  be  the  Son  ot  God,  call  thyfelf  down  ;  for  it  is 
written,  He  {hall  give  his  angels  charge  concerning  thee; 
and  in  their  hands  they  Ihall  bear  thee  up,  le  it  at  asy  time 
•  hou  dalh  thy  toot  againft  a  ftone."  The  propofal  was  wild 
and  extravagant  in  the  extreme  :  but  not  lefs  artful  than  ex- 
travagant. The  import  ot  it  is  plainly  this,  if  Jefus  Chnft  be 
the  Son  ot  God,  mull  he  m>t  repofc  confidence  jn  the  promtles 
which  He  has  made,  and  reft  afluredof  his  conftant  care  and 
protection  ?  If  he  does  not,  it  mull  be  from  a  fecret  didruft: 
of  his  power  and  goodnefs,  from  a  difbeliet  of  Scripture 
promifes,  which  were  in  effect  to  renounce  his  character  as 
the  Son  of  God.  The  deiign  ot  the.  tempter  is  apparent  :  he 
means  to  deitroy,  if  he  can,  the  objecr  ot  bis  fear  and  envy. 
Ferfuaded  that  a  ta.l  fiom  (uciia  height  muft  prove  fatal,  and 
feeling  his  power  limited  to  ait  and  iutin-jution,  he  tiies  to  in- 
fpire  a  prefumptuous  confidence  in  heaven,  and  thus.  io  bring  to 
an  open  tell  what  iie  really  was,  the  uei-jved  of  God,  con- 
cerning whom  he.  had  given  his  angels  charge,  and  thereby 
terminate  his  own. hopes,  or  ruin  a  rafh  and  fallible  nun,  like 
every  other  whom  he  had  (o  fuccefdully  tried,  and  thus  com- 
plete his  triumph  over  ird.il  humanity. 

tiow 


*«a  history  of  [Lech  x. 

How  plaufible  !  No  miracle  is  fo  likely  to  make  an  im-' 
jpreflion  in  his  favour  on  the  multitude  below  ;  and  what  fe- 
curity  is  equal  to  the  promife  of  that  God  who  cannot  lie  ? 
Who  can  f  efficiently  admire  the  calmnefs  and  wifdom  with 
which  the  infmuation  is  repelled?  the  promife  is  admitted, 
<he  fecurity  which  it  bellows  is  acknowledged,  and  the  au- 
thority of  Scripture  is  eftablifhed.  But  Scripture  is  not  in- 
confiltent  with  itfelf,  otherwife  it  were  not  the  word  of  God  : 
ipiritual  things  mull  therefore'  be  compared  with  fpiritual, 
and  it  is  written,  "  (  hou  malt  not  tempt  the  Lord  thy  God." 
A  man  is  faid  to  tempt  God,  when  he  calls  for  extraordinary 
and  unneceflary  proofs  or  his  providential  care,  through  diffi- 
dence, or  to  fatisfy  curiofity. 

Thus  Ifrael  is  faid  to  have  tempted  the  Lord,  when  preiTed 
by  the  want  of  water  in  Rephidim  ;  the  fupply  was  granted, 
but  the  place  was  marked  by  a  name  which  expreffed  dif- 
pleafure  :  "  he  called  the  name  of  the  place  Mcribah,  Jlrife% 
becaufe  of  the  chiding  of  the  Children  of  Ifrael,  and  becaufe 
they  tempted,  the  Lord,  faying,  Is  the  Lord  among  us,  or  not  ?" 
The  fame  offence  was  again  committed  in  the  wildernefs  of 
Sin,  under  the  preffure  of  hunger  :  "  Can  God  turnifh  a  ta- 
ble in  the  wildernefs  ?  can  he  give  bread  alfo  ?  can  he  pro- 
vide £efh  for  his  people  ?"  The  miracle  ot  relief  was  again 
interpofed.  "  He  commanded  the  clouds  from  above  and  o- 
pened  the  doors  of  heaven — he  rained  down  manna  upon 
them  to  eat,  and  gave  them  of  the  corn  of  heaven.  Man  did 
eat  angels'  food.  He  rained  flefh  alfo  upon  them  as  duft,  and 
feathered  fowls  as  the  fand  of  the  fea."  But  it  is  dangerous  to 
pat  the  goodnefs  and  power  of  God  to  trial,  and  by  impatience 
and  importunity  to  extort  the  indulgence  of  a  man's  "  own 
defire."  God  often  with-holds  in  love,  and  grants  from  juft 
difapprobation.  "  They  were  not  eftranged  from  their  lufts  ; 
but  while  their  meat  was  yet  in  their  mouths,  the  wrath  o£ 
God  came  upon  them."— And  tor  all  this  "  they  finned  ftill." 

We  have  another  noted  inftance  of  a  man's  tempting  his 
Maker,  in  the  cafe  of  Gideon,  the  fon  of  Joafh  the  Abi-ezrite. 
He  had  been  called  from  the  threfhing  floor  to  fight  the  battle* 
of  his  country  ;  "  the  Lord  looked  upon  him,  and  faid,  Go  in 
this  thy  might,  and  thou  (halt  fave  Ifrael  from  the  hand  of  the 
Midianites  :  'have  not  I  lent  thee  ?"  Gideon  hefitates,  argues, 
excafes  himfelf.  "  And  the  Lord  faid  unto  him,  Surely  I 
will  be  with  thee,  and  thou  (halt  fmite  the  Midianites  as  one 
man"  This  does  not  yet  overcome  his  diffidence;  he  mull 
have  a  fan  to  cure  his  unbelief.  "  And  he  faid  unto  him  If 
now  I  have  found  grace  in  thy  fight,  then  fhew  me  a  fign 
that  thou  talked  with  me.     Depart  not  hence  I  pray   thee, 

unti! 


left,  x  j  jesus  GHiusr.  103- 

until  I  come  unto  thee,  and  bring  forth  my  preterit,  and  fef 
it  before  thee.     And   he  faid,   I  will  tarry  until   thou  come- 
again."     The  fign  is  granted.     The  offering  is  prefented  up- 
on the  rock  ;    M  then  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  put  forth  the 
end  of  the  ftafTthat  was  in  his  hand,  and  touched  the  flefh  and 
the  unleavened  cakes ;  and  there  rofe  up  fire  outof  the  ro^k,  and 
confumed  the  fleih  and  the  unleavened  cakes.     Then  the  An- 
gel of  the  Lord  departed  out  of  his  fight."     Gideon    perceives 
that  he  has  prefumed  too  far,  and  begins  to  tremble  for  his  life, 
but  is  inftantly   relieved   from  that   terror  :  "  And   the  Lord 
faid  unto  him,  Peace  be  unto  thee,  fear  not,  thoufhalt  not  die." 
Who  would  not  have  deemed  this  proof  fatisfa6tory  ?  Is   not 
incredulity  now  completely  difarmed  ?  The  champion  of   If- 
rael  muft  have  fign  upon  fign..    "And  Gideon  faid  unto  God, 
If  thou  wilt  fave  ffrael  by  mine  hand,  as  thou  haft  faid,  behold 
I  will  pu*  a  fleece  of  wool  in  the  floor  ;  and  it  the  dew   be   ou 
the  fleece  only,  and  it  be  dry  upon  all   the   earth   befide,    then 
fliall  I  know  that  thou  wilt  fave  Ifrael  by  mine  hand,   as   thou 
Baft  faid.     And  it  was  fo  :  for  he  rofe  up   early    on    the   mor- 
row  and  thruft  the  fleece  together,  and  wringed  the    dew    out 
of  the  fleece,  a  bowl-full  of  *ater."     Surely  the   contention   is 
at  lengn  come  to  an  end,  and  the  patienee  of  God  will  be  put 
to  no  further  trial.     Wonder,  O  heavens,  and  be  aftonifhed,  Q 
earth,  at  the  prefumption  of  man,  and  at  the  condefcenfion  or' 
God  f  "  And  Gideon  faid  unto  God,  Let  not  thine   anger  be,- 
Rot  agairfi  me,  and  I  will  fpeak  but  this  once  :.  Let  me  prove, 
1  pray  thee,  but  this  once  with  the  fleece  ;  let  it    now   be   dry 
only  upon  the  fleece,  and  upon  all  the  ground  let  there  be  dew*. 
And  God  did  fo  that  night  :  for  it  was    dry   upon   the  fleece 
Only,  and  there  was  dew   on   all  the  ground."     But  though 
Deity  is  thus  pleafed  to  yield  »o  the  unreafonable  demands   cl" 
man,  it  ill  becomes  man  to  encroach  and  to  prefcribe. 

In  our  Lord's  repulfion  of  this  temptation,  mark  the  happy 
union  which  he  recommends  to  his  difcioles  ;  "  Be  ye  wife  as 
ferpents,  and  harmlefs  as  doves."  Harmleflnefs  brings  no 
**  railing  accufation."  florms  not,  threatens  not  ;  even  the  ad- 
verfaiy  is  not  borne  dowa  by  the  weight  of  authority,  but 
craft  is  confounded  by  wifdom.  Scripture  mutilated,  pervert- 
ed, mifapplied,  is  explained  by  Scripture  in  its  purity  and  fim- 
phcity  ;  and  the  tempter  is  again  made  to  feel  his  inferiority. 
With  a  peiieverance,  however,  worthy  of  a  better  caufe,  he 
returns  to  the  charge.  He  has  been  able  to  make  no  impref- 
fion  on  the  fide  ot  fenfe,  appetite  or  vanity.  But  ambition  is 
the  paflion  ot  great  fouls ;  and  the  mighty  Julttis  had  lately 
hirnifhcd  him  with  an  example  of  the  irrefiftible  power  of  that 


104  feist  OR  V  of  [Left.  X4 

}uft.  "  If,"  fair!  the  mighty  conqueror,  ,c  jullice  is  to' be  vio- 
lated, the  pleafure  of  domineering  muff  plead  the  excufe." 
This  "  prince  of  the  power  of  the  air,  the  fpirit  that  worketh 
m  the  children  of  difobedience,"  employs  his  permitted  ener- 
gies, accordingly,  to  expand  a  delight!  j1  profpeft  of  the  pomp 
and  glory  of  this  world,  rendered  H: ill  more  alluring  by  contra  ft 
with  the  real  horrors  of  the  wafte  howling  wildernefs,  from  the 
fummit  of  one  of  whofe  fterile  mountains  the  vifion  was  dif- 
plaved.  Over  all  this  glory  Satan  claims  abfolute  and  un- 
bounded dominion,  and  the  fole  right  of  difpo'al  :  a  claim, 
alas,  but  too  well  fupported  by  reality  ;  and  of  the  whole  he 
tenders  an  immediate  transfer,  on  the  eafy  condition  of  receiv- 
ing homage  for  it.  Ye  fhall  be  as  gods,  knowing  good  and 
evil"  was  the  temptation  addreffed  to  the  firft.  Adam,  and  it  fa- 
tally prevailed,  and  mankind  was  undone.  All  this  power 
will  I  give,  and  the  glory  of  them  :  for  that  is  delivered  unto 
me,  and  to  whornfoever  I  will  I  give  it  :  If  thou  therefore  wilt 
worfhip  me,  all  fhall  be  thine. "  By  this  temptation  was  the 
fecond  Adam  afTailed  ;  but  it  was  refitted,  repelled,  and  man- 
kind  was  reftored.  "  Jefus  anfwered  and  faid  uiito  him,  Get 
thee  behind  me,  Satan  :  for  it  is  written.  Thou  fhalt  worfhip 
the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  fltalt  thou  ferve."  In  Chrift's 
rejection  of  the  former  temptation  we  had  occafion  to  remark 
the  lovely  mixture  of  wifdom  and  innocence  ;  here  we  have 
an  equally  interefting  union  of  wifdom  and  zeal  :  of  wifdom, 
in  wielding  '*  the  fword  of  the  fpirit,  which  is  the  word  of 
God  i°  of  zeal,  in  reprefTrng  with  holy  indignation  the  info- 
lent  aflumption  of  the  empire  of  the  world,  and  the  no  lefs  in- 
folent  demand  of  the  homage  and  worfhip  which  are  due  to 
Deity  alone.  There  is  a  point  beyond  which  patience  ceafes 
to  be  a  virtue,  and  degenerates  into  weaknefs.  It  is  particu- 
larly fo,  when  the  name,  the  day,  the  houfe,  the  word,  the 
worfhip  of  the  great  Jehovah  are  impioufly  invaded  and  pro- 
faned. The  cloven  foot  is  then  fo  apparently  uncovered,  that 
nothing  is  left  but  an  inftantaneous  and  abhorrent  diflent, 
•\  Get  thee  hence,  Satan,"  Thus  when  "  the  prince  of  this 
world"  came  he  found  nothing  in  Chi  ill  ;  no  weak  part,  no 
unguarded  moment,  no  fubje^ion  to  the  frailties  of  that  na- 
ture which  he  had  aflumed.  The  demon  hears  his  own  name. 
Satan,  the  adverfary,  pronounced  by  the  lips  of  truth,  and  feels 
hirnfeif  detected  ; 

AbafhM  the  devil  Rood, 
And  felt  how  awful  goodnefs  is;  and  law 
Virtue  in  her  fhape  how  loveiv  ;  faw,  and  pio'd 
His  lofs. 

Parad,  Lost,  IV,  846, 

Thus 


:!e£h  X.]  JESUS  CHRIST. 

Thus  our  Lord's  public  miniftry  commencec-  In  unparallel- 
ed trials.  Thus  "  the  Captain  of  our  Salvation"  began  his 
rious  career,  and  was  at  length  made  "  perfect  through  fuffcr- 
ing."  But  thefe  things  v.  ere  fpoken,  and  done,  <md  fufFered 
for  our  fakes.  "  Chrift  fuffered  for  us.  leaving  us  an  example 
that  we  fhould  follow  his  Heps." — *;  Forafmuch  as  Chrift  hath 
fuffered  for  us  in  the  flefh,  arm  yourfelves  likewife  with  the 
fame  mind" — "  Beloved,  think  it  not  flrange  concerning  the 
fiery  trial  which  is  to  try  you,  as  though  fome  flrange  thing 
happened  unto  you  :  But  rejoice  in  as  much  as  ye  arc  partak- 
ers of  Chrift's  fufferings ;  that,  when  his  glory  (hall  be  reveal- 
ed,  ye  may  be  glad  aifo  with  exceeding  joy."  Draw  your  hip- 
plies,  in  "  the  evil  day,"  from  the  fame  facred  treafury.  "  Be 
ilrong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might.  Put  on 
the  whole  armour  of  Go:l,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  ftand  againft: 
the  wiles  of  the  devil.  For  we  wreftle  not  againft  fiefn  and 
blood,  but  againft  principalities,  againft  powers,  againft  the 
rulers  of  the  darknefs  of  this  world,  againft  fpiritual  wicked- 
nefs  in  high  places.  Wherefore,  take  unto  you  the  whole  ar- 
mour cf  God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  withftand  in  the  evil  day, 
and  having  done  all  to  ftand.  Stand,  therefore,  having  your 
loins  girt  about  with  truth,  and  having  on  the  breaftplate  of 
righteoufnefs  ;  and  your  feet  (hod  with  the  preparation  of  the 
gofpel  of  peace;  above  all,  taking  the  (hi  eld  of  faith,  where- 
with ye  (hall  be  able  to  quench  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wick- 
ed. And  take  the  helmet  of  Salvation,  and  the  fword  of  the 
Spirit,  which  is  the  word  of  God  :  praying  always  with  nil 
prayer  and  fupplication  in  the  Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto 
with  all  perfeverance  and  fupplication  for  all  faints." 

Good  foldier  of  Jefus  Chrift,  thy  chief  danger  is  from  v. 
in.     There  is  a  traitor  in  the    fortrefs,    carrying   on    a    conef- 
pondence   with  the  foe  without.     Let  him   be   watched    ni^ht 
and  day  ;  let  him  be  (acrificed  without  remorfe.     The  moment 
he  is  fubdued,  the  external    enemy  is   ftripped   of  his 
y  Watch  and  pray  that  ye  enter  not   into    temptation."     ' 
fober,  be  vigilant  ;  becaufe  your  adverfary  the  devil,  as  a  i 
ing  lion,  walketh  about  feeking  whom  he  may  devour  :  w 
refift  ftedfaft  in  the  faith."     Thou  haft  a  weak  fide  ;  there  is  a 
"  fin  that  doth  eafily  befei"  thee,  and  that  the    tempter   k 
eth  full  well,  though  it  may  have  efcaped  thy  own  penetration. 
Oppofe  to  his  cunning  the  wifdom  which    is  From  above.     In 
a  ftate  of  warfare,  remember  that  no  danger   is   flight,    and    no 
foe  contemptible.     "  Be  faithful  unto  death,"  and  thou   fhalt 
receive  "  a  crown  of  life."     u  To  him  that   overcometh,  faith 
the  Amen,  the  faithful  and  true  wJtnefs,  will  I  grant  io  lit  with 

O  me 


HI-STOR.Y  o?  [Left*  >2; 

rhe  in  my  throne,  even  as   I  alfo  overcame  and'am    fet   dewiH 
with  my  Father  in  his  throne." 

Men  and  Brethren,  we  take  encouragement  to  refill  tempta- 
tion not  only  from  the  example  but  from  the  interceflion  of  je- 
fus  Chrift.  Peter  was  to  pafs  through  a  fiery  trial,  and  to  be 
linger!  at  lead,  if  not  fcofched  in  the -flame.  It  was  forefeen 
and  foretold  by  ins  <  ompaflionate  Mailer  ;  but  he  would  not 
take  warning  ;  he  ruined  into  the  fnare  and  was  taken,  but  was 
riot  left  in  it.  He  wa-  delivered,  raifed  up  again,  reflored,  and 
h is  f  1!  was  bjefled  to  the  confolation  and  recovery  of  thoii- 
fands  :  'And  the  Lord  fa  id,  Simon, .  Simon,  behold,  Satan 
hath  defired  to  ha^e  you,  that  He  m<.y  fift  you  as  wheat  :  but 
I  have  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy  faith  fail  not  ;  and  when  thou 
art  converted,  ftrengfchen  thy  brethren."  "  Brethren,  if  a  man 
be  overtaken  in  a  fault,  ye  which  are  fpiritual  reftore  fuch  an 
one  in  the  fpirit  of  meeknefs  ;  confide.ring  thyfelf,  left  thou  al- 
io be  tempted."  And  let  him  that  has  fallen,  and  hath  been 
lifted  up  again,  "  team  to  walkcircumfpecrly  :"  let  him  "  not 
be  high-minded,  but  fear  ;"  let  him  no  longer  truft  in  himfelf,. 
but  "  let  him  truft  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  ftay  upon 
his  God  ;"  let  him  be  merciful,  as  he  hath  obtained  mercy. 

The  grand  tempter  forced  his  way  into  a  terreftrial  paradife, 
into  the  holy  city,  fcaled  the  pinnacle  of  the  temple,  mingled 
with  the  ions  of  God.  has  "  transformed  himielf  into  an  angel 
of  light,  and  ever  with  a  defign  to  wafte  and  to  deftroy."  But 
into  ''  the  paradife  of  God,"  *'  that  great  city,  the  holy  Jerufa- 
lem,  descending  out  of  heaven  from  God,  (hall  in  no  wile  enter 
any  thing  that  defileth,  neitherwhatfoever  worketh  abomination 
or  maketh  a  lie."  Blefled  Hate  !  when  there  fhall  be  no  inward 
corruption,  and  no  fear  of  a  [fault  from  without.  Fear  not,  "  1  he 
God  of  peace  {ball  bruife  Satan  under  your  feet  fhonly."  "  If 
God  be  for  us,  who  can  be  againft  us  ?  Who  fhall  lay  any  thing 
to  the  charge  of  God's  ele6t  ?  L  is  God  that  juftifieth  ;  who  is 
he  that  condemneth  ?  It  is  Chrift  that  died  yea  rather,  that  is 
rifen again,  who  is  even  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who  all* 
maketh  interceflion  ior  us.  Who  fhall  feparate  us  from  the 
love  of  Chrift  ?  Shall  tabulation,  or  diftreis.  or  perfecution,  or 
famine,  or  nakednefs,  or  peril,  or  fword  ?  Nay,  in  all  thefe 
things  we  are  nioie  than -conquerors,  through  him  that  loved 
us*  For  I  am  perfuaded,  that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  an- 
gels, nor  principalities,  nor  powers,  nor  things  prefent,  nor 
things  to  come,  nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature, 
ftall  be  able  to  feparate  us  from  the  love  of  God,  which  is  in 
thrift  Jefus  our  Lord." 

LECTURE 


;Le£i.  XI.]  jESO/S  CHRIST, 


■LECTURE     XL 


LUKE,   IV.   13—32. 

when  the  (trvil  had  ended  ail  the  temptation  he  depai  tedfi  om 
him  for  a  feafoa.     And    Jefus  returned  in  the   power  of  the 

rit  into  Galilee  ;  and  there  went  out  a  fame  of  him  . 
all  the  region   round  about.     And  he  taught   in  their  jyia- 
gasu.es,   being  glorr/ied  of  all.     And  he  came  to  Nazarcih% 
where   he  had  been  ^brought  up:  arid,  as  his   cuflom  was,  hi 
zuent  into  fha  fym  1  the  fdb  bath  day,   and  flood  up  for 

td  re&d\  was  delivered  unto  mm  the  book  of  the 

Prophet  E/aias:  ami,  when  he  had  opened  the  book,  he  found 
tfu  place  where  it  was  written,  the  fpir.it  of  the  Lord  is  upon 
me,  btcau/e  he  hafh  anointed  me  to  preach  the  ^o/p  I  to  the. 
poor  ;  he  ha  tit  ,ent  me  to 'heat  the  broken-heai  ted,  to  <  preach  de- 
liverance to  the  captives,  and  recovering  pf  fight  to  the  blind, 
^to  fet  at  liberty  them  that  are  to  preach  the  acccpta- 

:  year  of  the  Lord,     And   /■•  c  Id  fed  the  hoik,  and  he  gave  it 
again  to  the  minifti  r,  and  fat  down.     And  the  eyes  of  all  them 

l  ■  were  in  the  (yiiagogue  werefafiened  or,  hm.  And  he  began 
to  fay  unto  them,  this  day  u  this  fctipfure  fulfilled  in  your  ears. 
Andai  bare  him  witnefs,  and  wondered  at  the  gracious  words 
which  proceeded  out  of  his  mouth.  And  fheyja,d,  is  not  t/ns 
Jofplis  fon  f  and  he  f aid  unto  them,  ye  will  furdy.fay  unto 
me  this  proverb,  phyf'aan,  heal  thy/elf ;  whatjoever  we  .have 
heard  done  in  Capernaum,  do  al/o  here  in  thy  country.  And 
he  ,'2-J,  verily,  I  jay  unto  you,  no  prophet  is  accepttd  in  his 
own  country.  But  I  tell  you  of  a  truth. ,  many  widows  were 
in  I  rael  in  the  days  of  Elias]  when  fke  heaven  was  fhut  up 
three  yars  and  fix  months,  when  great  famine  was  throughout 
all  the  land ;  but  unto  none  of  them  was  Eiias jent,  jave  unto 
Sarcpta,  a  city  cf  St  don,  unto  awoman  thai  was  a  wid 
And  many  lepers  were  iv  Ijrael  in  the  time  of  E a/eits  the  pro- 

/:  and  none  of  them   was  cfea  avihg   Naaman 

Syrian.  And  alt  they  in  the  fynagopue,  token  they  heard  thefe 
things,  were  fi'te]  with  wrath,  and  rofe  up  and  thrufl  him  cut 
of  the  city,  and  led  him  unto  the  brow  of  the  IvJt ,  whereon  t 

ty  wa>  bunt,  thai  they H  cafi  fain  adfong.     Bu: 

'he,  pajfing  through  the  midfi  of  them,  zoeut  his  tvay,  and  c 
down  to  Capernaum,  a  city  of  Gal:  vv,  and  tavght  them  on  tk< 

Jabi 


2c8  HISTORY  OF  [Le£L   XI, 

f abb  atk  days,,    And  they  were  ajlonijlied  at  his  dotirine  :  for 
his  word  was  with  power., 

^TTH^f  the  Son  of  God  came,  for  the  Salvation  of  a  loft; 
V  ▼  world,4*  verily  he  took  not  on  him  the  nature  of  an- 
gels ;  but  he  took  on  him  the  feed  of  Abraham  ;"  he  afTumed 
not  royal  Rate,  but  "the  form  of  a  fervant ;"  his  progrefs 
was  marked,  not  by  the  blood  of  thofe  who  oppofed  them- 
felves,  but  by  the  benefits  which  he  conferred  on  the  evil  and 
unthankful.  Subjefct  himfelt  to  the  finlefs  infirmities  of  hu- 
man  nature,  he  was  experimentally  taught  to  fympathize  with 
the  weak  ;  "  in  that  he  himfelf  hath  fuftered  being  tempted,  he 
is  able  to  fuccour  them  that  are  tempted." 

The  wildernefs  exhibited  a  wonderful  difplay  of  the  divine 
nature  united  to  humanity,  of" the  humiliation  of  the  "  man  of 
foYrpws  and  acquainted  with  grief,"  and  of  the  majefly.  of 
the  mighty  Gods  who  has  all  creatures  at  his  difppfal,  and  un- 
der his  control.  The  man  "  was  an  hungred,"  and  expofed  to 
temptation,  and  arbitrarily  difpofed  of  by  an  infoient  foe  :  He 
was  humbled  to  the  healing  01  blafphemous  fuggeilions,  and 
the  bearing  oi  cruel  and  unmerited  infults.  The  Divinity 
iniraculouily  fuffainrd  the  infirmity  of  nature,  quenched  the 
fiery  d  ns  of  the  devil,  put  Satan  to  flighty  received  the  horn- 
age  and  fervice  of  angels.  In  all  he  prefented  an  object,  of 
admiration  and  love,  and  in  every  difplay  of  human  excellence 
he  exhibited  a  pattern  for  imitation. 

Jefus  had  now  attained  his  thirtieth  year.  The  Spirit  of 
God  and  of  glory  relied  on  him  ;  and  a  voice  from  heaven 
had  declared  his  generation.  In  the  folemnity  and  folitude 
ot  a  forty  days  retirement  from  all  human  converfe,  the  order 
of  his  future  procedure  is  fettled,  according  to  the  plan  of  the 
eternal  mind.  Behold  him  then  in  the  power  of  the  Spirit,  in 
the  greatnefs  of  his  flrength,  in  the  travail  of  his  foul,  return- 
ing from  the  defert  into.  Galilee,  to  enter  on  his  aiduous  and 
important  undertaking.  The  public  attention  was  fixed,  and 
expectation  excited  by  the  fingular  circumilances  attending 
his  birth  and  baptifm.  The  difcerning  eye  of  the  Baptift 
faw  in  him  "  The  great  Prophet  who  fhould  come  into  the 
world,"  and  with  the  finger  he  pointed  him  out  as  "  the  lamb 
of  God  which  taketh  away  the  fin  of  the  world."  His  fudden 
difappearance  afur  his  baptifm,  and  after  the  teftimony  then 
borne  to  him  from  above,  mufl  have  been  an  occafion  of  fome 
wonder,  and  a  fubjecl:  of  much  converfation,  for  on  his  re- 
turn, at  the  end  of  the  forty  days,  we  find  his  fame  already  fpread 
abroad,  and  a  general  difpofuion  to  receive  and  to  hear  him 

raanifefledc 


Left,  xi.j  jesus  christ.  109 

manifefted.  And  where  does  he  begin  his  career,  and  what 
charaMerdoes  he  affume,  and  what  arms  does  he  employ? 
At  Rome,  the  feat  of  empire,  in  the  triumphant  itate  oi  a  con- 
queror, with  his  fword  dyed  in  the  blood  oi  his  enemies  ?  No, 
in  Gaiilee  the  proverbially  reproichful  refHence  of  almoft 
his  whole  life,  in  the  humble  character  of  a  teacher  of  relig- 
ion, and  employing  only  the  fword  of  the  Spirit  which  is  the 
word  of  God.  In  this  we  behold  him  teaching  us  a  generous 
iuperiority  to  the  little  invidious  diilinctions  of  country  and 
kindred,  a  noble  contempt  of  the  glory  of  this  world,  an  ar- 
dent zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  a  benevolent  concern  for  the 
happineis  of  men,  and  a  juft  difcernment  of  the  means  bed  a- 
dapted  to  the  attainment  of  ihefe  ends. 

What  a  filent  inftructor  had  his  childhood  and  youth  been 
of  fubjeclion  to  parental  authority,  of  contentment  with  a 
poor  and  mean  condition,  of  holinefs  in  all  manner  of  conver- 
fation  ?  What  an  interesting  object  was  prefented  to  t\,e  eye 
in  a  form  fo  fair,  animated  by  a  mind  lo  pure  and  exalted! 
With  what  delight  mull  the  ear  have  hung  upon  thofe  lips 
which  wifdom  infpired,  and  into  which  grace  was  poured  ! 
How  commanding,  how  attractive  that  goodnefs  which  was 
inceiTantly  aiming  at  communicating  good  to  others  !  Is  it  any 
wonder  that  when  He  became  the  public  and  active  inftructor 
of  his  countrymen,  he  fhould  be  "glorified  of  all."  It  was 
probably  about  this  period,  that  "  the  beginning  of  his  mira- 
cles" he  performed  at  Cana  of  Galilee,  "  and  manifefted  forth 
his  glory,"  by  turning  water  into  wine,  at  the  mairiage  Solem- 
nity of  one  of  his  relations  or  friends.  By  this  he  approved 
himfelf  the  afTe&ionate,  condefcending  brother  of  mankind, 
and,  at  the  fame  time,  the  great  Lord  of  nature,  to  whom  all 
elements  are  fubject  ;  and  whereby  he  reproves  the  unbend- 
ing pride  of  affecled  wifdom,  the  uncomplying  precifenefs 
which  refufes  to  partake  of  the  harmlefs  intercourse  and  en- 
joyments of  human  life,  and  the  coldnefs  and  indifference 
with  which  felfifhnefs  endeavours  to  ftifle  the  voice  oi 
blood,  of  triendlhip  and  of  natural  affection.  How  greatly 
mud  his  public  miniitrations  have  been  enhanced  and  endear- 
ed by  the  meeknefs  and  gentlenefs  of  his  priva-e  deportment  ! 
What  force  rauft  divine  truth,  delivered  in  the  fynagogue, 
have  derived  from  the  utterance  of  that  tongue  which  in  do- 
meftic  and  focial  communication  was  governed  by  "the  law 
of  kindnefs." 

In  the  mere  human  teacher,  the  profefTional  appearance  muft 
frequently  beat  variance  with  the  perfonal  ;  a  heart  torn,  with 
a  thoufand  anxieties,  mull  try  to  conceal  its  biuernefs  under  a 

ferene 


HISTORY   OF  fLecT.   XI, 

Serene  forehead,  arid  calmnels  of  fpeech  ;  and  the  unhappy 
man  may  be  adminiilering  to  others  that  confolation  to  which 
'he  himfelf  is  a  llranger,  or,  what  is  infinitely  worfe,  may  "be 
called  by  public  duly  to  declare  that  truth  which  is  his  fecret 
reproach  and  condemnation.  But  O  how  delightful  the  enter- 
tainment, when  the  hand  which  diipenfes  to  others  can  with 
rhoiy  confidence  take  its  own  appropriated  fliare  !  How  digni- 
fied is  the  character  which,  in  the  clofet,  in  the  parlour,  in  the 
■market-place,  in  the  fynagegue,  m  the  pulpit,  prefents  but  one 
and  the  fame  peiTon,  the  fervaiit  of'God,  the 'friend  of  man  ; 
the  rcfpeftable  and  amiable  member  of  fociety,  the  kind  rela- 
tion, the  agreeable  neighbour,  the  gentle  rrafter,  the  patriotic" 
citizen,  the  faithful  pallor!  What  a  model,  in  all  thefe  refpe&s, 
is  prefented  to  the  Chriftian  mini  Iter,  in  tne  perfon,  the  char- 
after  and  the  conduct  of  his  divine  Mailer  !  What  mud  have 
"been  the  ineffable  charm  oi  that  divine  eloquence  which  capti- 
vated every  ear,  every  heart  ;  which  commanded  univerfal 
admiration  and  applaufe  ;  and  which,  alas,  fuch  is  the  enmiiy 
-of.  the  carnal  mind,  fo  foon  rod  fed  the  vileft  and  worft  oi  hu- 
man paflions  in  the  breaft  of  his  neighbours  and  acquaintance, 
«nvy,  and  jealoufy,  and  malice,  and  hatred  !  O  how  pleafant  it 
Is  to  accompany,  in  thought,  the  bleffed  Jefus  from  houfe  to 
lioufe;  from  devotional  retirement,  to  uieful  and  neceflary  em- 
ployment; from  honourable  employment,  to  fecial  endear- 
ment ;  from  the  pure  and  innocent  delights  of  virtuous  friend- 
'{lup,  to  the  folemii  and  fuhlime  exercifes  of  public  worfhip  ; 
and  to  obferve  in  all  the  changing  fcenes,  the  fame  lovely  fim- 
plicity,  the  fame  unafiuming  dignity,  the  fame  unvarying  char- 
ity and  good  will  ! 

But  the  Evangelift  leads  us  from  general  to  particular  ideas  ; 
and  gives  vivacity  and  effect  to  our  meditations,  by  bringing 
them  to  one  point  of  time,  of  place  and  of  expreflion.  Be- 
hold him  then  at  Nazareth,  where  he  had  been  brought  up,  in 
the  fynagogue,  on  the  fabbath  day,  according  to  his  ufual  cuf- 
tom,  (landing  up  to  read,  unfolding  the  prophecy,  the  prophe- 
cy of  Kaias,  a  remarkable  predi&ion,  and  himfelf  the  fubjecl  of 
^it  ;  then  clofing  the  book,  delivering  it  again  to  the  minifler, 
fitting  down  to  explain  and  apply  what  he  had  read  ;  and  how 
pleaiant  it  is  to  mark  the  emotion  which  every  word,  every 
-action  produced  in  an  aftonifhed  and  delighted  audience  !  Ev- 
<ery  one  of  thefe  circumfiances  feems  to  merit  a  lew  moments3 
meditation. 

He  came  to  Nazareth.  Having  vifited  other  parts  of  Gali- 
lee, and  taught  in  their  fynagogues,  and  received  the  cheerful 
homage  which  heartfelt  gratitude  pays  to  real   worth  ;  having 

performed 


$.«££    JtT.J  JEWS    CH1VISTV  Uj: 

performed  (he  duties  of  a  benevolent  neighbour  and  kind  i 
tion  at  Cana,  rejoicing  with  them  that  rejoiced,  and  putting^, 
refpeci  on  the  ordinance  of  God,  the  idea  of  home  fuggefls  it- 
felf,  the  kind  affections  become  concentrated,  the  calls  oi  na, 
ture  are  <elt  and  obeyed.  At  Nazareth  his  mother  dwelt  ;  he. 
was  well  aware  of  her  maternal  tendernefs  and  folicitude  ;  his 
forty  days  ablence  about  his  "  Father's  bufinefe"  mud  have 
filled  her  with  pain  inexpreffible  ;  her  foul  was  about  to  be 
pierced  through  with  many  a  (word,  whofe  keen  point  coukV 
not  be  averted  ;  but  filial  affection  will  not  fuffer  her  to  feel 
the  ftroke  before  the  time;  and  what  moments  of  eeffacy  to  a 
mother  thofe  mud  have  been  which  paffed  atNazaieth,  in  the 
houfe  and  in  the  fynagogue,  during  this  bleffed  interval  !  And 
what  delight  mud  it  have  been -to  that  Son  to  minifter  to  the 
confolation  of  his  mother  ! 

He  came  to  Nazareth,  inhere  he  had  been   bronchi  up,    Tha 
fcenes,in  which  early  life  was  paffed,  are  painted  in  lively  coL 
ors  on  the  imagination      Memory    frequently  rec«ls,    and    the 
heart  fondly  cherifhes  them.     They  are  blended  with  the  i 
of  gaiety,  and  want  of  care  and  innocence.     I  think  with  rap- 
ture on  the  tree  from   which   my   childifh    hand   plucked    thoi 
golden  fruit  ;   on  the  cooling  dream  which  refreshed  the  tongue>. 
parched  with  juvenile  exercife  ;  on   the  flower-enamelled  tur<c 
whereon  I  caftmy  weary  limbs  ;  on  the  afcent  to  the  houfe  o£ 
God  along  which  my  yet  unconfirmed  footdeps  accompanied 
ray  venerable  grind  fire  at  the  hour  of  prayer  ;  the  note  of  the 
fummoning  bell  is  even  now  in  mine  ears.     The  feeling  is  nat- 
ural ;  it  is  harmlefs  ;  perhaps  it  may  be  virtuous.     And  is  it  a. 
degradation  of  our  fubject  to  fay  that  we  fee  in  the  hiilory    be- 
fore us,  the  ingenuous,  generous  Nazarene,  thinking  with  c< 
placency  on  the  particular  fpots  confecrated    by    the   recollec- 
tions of  early  piety,  of  friendihip  and  of  enjoyment  ;   thinking 
with  affeciion,  fuch  as  only  the  Son  of  God  could  feel,  on   the 
ailociates  of  tender  years  ;  on  the  relations  which    the  hand  of* 
nature,  on  thofe  which  the  wifdom  of  Providence  had  torn, 
driving  in  the  maturity  of  thirty,  to  communicate  to  grown  men 
thai  wifdom  and  happinefs,  which  the  unlufpecting,  unenvii 
generofny    of  twelve    delights  to   convey   to  its  equal.     The 
Saviour  of  the  world  is  here  held  up  in  the  honourable,   engag- 
ing, and  attractive  character  of  a   liberal   and  generous  townf- 
man  ;  rejoicing  in  the  exertion  of  his  ripened  talents,    his   im- 
proved powers,  his  enlarged  abilities,  for  the  information,  im- 
provement and  comfort  of  the  friends  o{  his  youth. 

Attend  to  the  p  nee  which   he   chofe   for  this   purpofc — ' 
pjdLce  of  public  aifembly,  devoted  to  the  fcrvicc  of  God,  to  the- 

conveyance 


ili 


History   of  [Left,  xi* 


conveyance  of  ufeful  knowledge,  and  to  the  devout  aiTociatiori 
of  kindred  (pints,  the  synagogue.  There  is  indeed  no  real  dif- 
ference of  place,  in  refpeft  of  fanaity.  Wherever  God  is 
worfhipped  "  in  fpirit  and  in  truth,"  there  is  holy  ground.  But 
man,  fwallowed  up  as  he  is  of  fenfe,  mull  have  the  devout  af- 
fections railed  by  an  appeal  to  the  lower  faculties  of  his  na- 
ture :  and  the  form  and  fituation  et  the  fpot  wher^he  worships, 
mull;  be  called  in  to  afiift  the  mind,  to  promote  the  love  of  his 
fellow  worfhippers,  to  give  energy  to  kind  affections,  and  to 
elevate  the  foul  to  the  Creator,  on  the  wings  of  love  to  the 
creature  whom  he  has  formed  after  his  own  image.  To  thee, 
biefled  Jefus  !  the  city  and  the  wildernefs,  the  mountain  and 
the  fea-fhore,  the  temple  and  the  upper  chamber  were  one  and 
the  fame  thing  ;  but  it  pleafed  thee  to  be  a  pattern  of*  decen- 
cy and  order,"  to  exemplify  fu'omiflion  to  the  ordinance  of 
God,  to  walk  before  thy  kindred  and  acquaintance,  in  "  things 
which  are  lovely  and  of  good  report." 

The  fervice  of  the  fynagogue  was  not  at  that  time  perfectly 
pure  ;  many  corruptions  both  in  doclrine  and  praclice  had 
been  introduced,  but  flill  God  was  worfhipped  there,  and  Scrip- 
ture ftill  flowed  pure  and  uncontaminated  ;  and  he  will  not 
feem  to  pour  contempt  on  what  favoured  of  human  imperfec- 
tion, left  that  which  was  genuine  and  divine  fhould  fall  into 
difrepute.  A  virtuous  (fate  of  Society,  and  a  pure  Church  are 
highly  defirable  ;  but  in  order  to  enjoy  fuch  a  happy  order  of 
things,  a  man  "  mufl  needs  go  out  of  the  world."  All  that 
wifdom  and  piety  united  can  atchieve,  is  gradually  and  temper- 
ately to  ameliorate  the  public  morals,  and  to  refclify  diforders 
which  may  have  crept  into  the  Church.  No  vigilance  nor  fa- 
gacity  can  prevent  the  enemy  from  fowing  tares  among  the 
wheat ;  but  though  they  may  be  ever  fo  diftinguifhable,  they 
are  not  rudely  and  prematurely  to  be  rooted  up,  "  left,  while 
ye  gather  up  the  tares,  ye  root  up  alfo  the  wheat  with  them." 
They  mufl  "  both  grow  together  until  the  harveft."  The  ho- 
ly Jefus  derived  no  taint  from  a  diforderly  fynagogue  and  a 
profaned  temple  ;  but  he  reftored  the  order  of  the  fynagogue, 
and  the  fanHity  of  the  temple.  He  could  contra£f.  no  impuri- 
ty by  fitting  down  to  meat  with  publicans  and  finners ;  and 
learn  no  hypocrify  by  communication  with  pharifees  ;  but  by 
the  wifdom  and  purity  of  his  converfation  publicans  and  fin- 
ners were  reproved,  inftru£fed  and  reformed,  and  hypocrify4 
ftood  detected.  There  is  a  mean,  difhonourable  and  criminal 
bt  becoming  all  things  to  all  men,"  for  the  fordid  purpofes  of 
felf  intereft,  or  the  gratification  of  a  vain-glorious  fpirit  ;  but 
there  is  likewife  an  honourable,  manly  and  praife-worthy  ac- 
commodation 


LeO.  XI.]  JESUS    CHRIST.  113 

<:ommodatron  to  the  wants  and  withes  of  our  fellow-creature.-, 
Which  difintereftedlv  aims  at  their  good.  This  leffon  "  Paul, 
the  fervant  of  Jefus  Chriit  "  and  the  mod  independent  in  fpirit 
•of  all  mankind,  had  been  taught  in  the  fchool  ot  his  divine 
Matter.  "For  though,"  fays  he,  u  I  be  free  from  all  men,  yet 
have  I  made  myfelf  fervant  unto  all,  that  I  might  gain  the 
more.  And  unto  the  Jews  I  became  as  a  Jew,  that  I  might  gain 
\he  Jews  ;  to  them  that  are  under  the  law  as  under  the  law,  that 
I  might  gdin  them  that  are  under  the  law;  to  them  that  are 
without  law,  as  without  law  (being  not  without  law  to  God, 
but  under  the  law  to  Chiiflj  that  I  might  gain  them  that  are 
without  law.  To  the  weak  became  I  as  weak,  that  I  mi^ht 
gain  the  weak:  I  am  made  all  things  to  all  men.  that  I  might 
by  all  means  fave  fome.  And  this  I  do  for  the  Gofpel's  fake, 
that  I  might  he  partaker  thereof  with  you." 

Time  permits  not  at  prefent  to  proceed  on  the  confideration 
oT  the  other  particular  circumltances  attending  this  faired 
Lecture  ot  the  great  Teacher  ;  fuch  as  'he  time  when  it  was 
delivered — the  Sabbath-day  ;  the  uniformity  and  conftancy  of 
the  practice,  as  his  cujiont  <-as  ;  the  attitude  and  exercile.  he 
flood  up  fur  to  read  ;  the  fubjeel,  a  prediction  concerning  him- 
felt  from  the  book  of  the  prophet  Efaias  ;  his  commentary  up* 
on  it,  this  day  is  this  Scripture  fu'fied  in  your  ears  ;  and  fi- 
nally, the  effect  produced  on  his  audience,  the  eyes  of  all  them 
that  iKtrt  in  the  Synagogue  were  fajlened  en  him  ;  and  all  bare 
him  witnefs,  and  wondered  at  the  gracious  words  whek  pro* 
■ceeded  out  of  his  mouth.  Thefe  particulars,  therefore,  will  con- 
ftitute  the  fubjeel  ot  our  next  exercife  ot  this  kind.  We  con- 
clude the  prefent  with  a  few  praftical  reflections. 

l.  Meditate  on  the  venerabilhy  ot  the  fabbath,  the  day  of 
facredreft.  It  is  he  ordinance  of  God  himielf,  who  is  repre- 
sented in  Scripture,  not  only  as  the  Author  of  the  inftitution, 
but  as  fetting  the  example  ot  its  devout  obfervance.  *'  On  the 
feventh  day  God  ended  his  work  which  he  had  made  ;  and  he 
relied  on  the  feventh  day  from  all  his  work  which  he  had 
made."  He  made  it  a  feafon  ot  tolemn  contemplation  :  '*  God 
faw  every  thing  that  he  had  made,  and  behoM  it  was  very 
good.;>  He  pronounced  a  benediction  upon  it,  and  fet  it  a- 
part  to  holy  purpofes  :  "  And  God  blefled  the  feventh  day 
and  fan^tified  it  :  becaufe  that  in  it  he  had  retted  from  all  his 
work  which  God  created  and  made."  It  is  one  of  the  natural 
m.afurements  of  time,  though  modern  infidelity  has  made  an 
attempt  to  efface  it.  It  wears  a  benevolent  and  merciful  afpefl 
toward  man  and  beafl.  It  is  intimately  snd  indiflolubly  con- 
nected with  religion.     The  violation  of  the  fatjbath    was   cn- 

?  hdered, 


;.::£  HISTORY  Qt  [Le£h  XW 

fidered,  under  the  Mofaic  difpenfation,  as  a  flagrant  contempt 
of  the  divine  authority,  and  fubjecled  the  offender  to  the  pun- 
5 fh merit  of  death  To  the  regular  and  (pi ritual  obfervance  of 
it,  on  the  other  hand,  were  annexed  many  and  gracious  prom- 
ifes.  I  quote  only  the  following  :  ''If  thou  turn  away  thy 
foot  from  the  fabbath.  from  doing  thy  pleafure  on  my  holy* 
day  :  and  call  the  fabbath  a  delight,  the  holy  of  the  Lord,  hon^ 
©rable  ;  and  malt  honour  him,  not  doing'  thine  own  ways,  nor 
finding  thine  own  pleafure,  nor  fpeaking..  thine  own  words  : 
tnen  (halt  thou  deligin  thy  felt"  in  the  Lord  ;  and  I  will  caufe 
thee  to  ride  upon  the  higbupiaces  of  the  earth,'  and  feed  thee 
with  the  heritage  of  Jacob  thy  tatner  :  for  the  mouth  of  the 
Lend  hath  fpoken  it."  The  fubftitution  of  the  firftV  in  place 
of  the  feventh  day  of  the  week,  under  the  evangelical  difpen- 
fation. binds  more  clofely-,  not  relaxes  the  obligation  ;  and  the 
honour  which  God  has  been,  pleafed  to  put  upon  it  is  a  (urn- 
cient  recommendation,,  independent  of  the  authority  ot 
human  laws.  As,  on  the  contrary,  the  character  of  the  perfons 
who  live  in  the  open  and  habitual  neglect  or  profanation  of  it,  is 
the  reverfe  of  a  recommendation  to  every  man  of  fenfe,  decen- 
cy and  virtue.     But", 

2..  Take  care  not  to  fink  the  fpirit  in  the  letter  of  the  ordi- 
nance. It  is  a  -lay  of  r  ft,  but  idlenefs  and  reft  are  very  differ- 
ent things,  The  mental  compofure  and  repofe  of  the  man  in- 
finitely tranfeend  the  lift Iefs  ina&ion  of  the  brute.  The  body 
ot  the  man  indeed  reus  from  the  painful  toil  ot  the  week,  and 
his  mind  from  its-perplexing  cares.  But  this  is  perfectly  con^ 
fiftent  with  vigorous  bodily  exertion,  and  with  intenfenefs  oi 
mental  application.  The  feet,  the  hands,  the  eye,  tine  tongue, 
may  all  be  actively  employed  in.rendering  unto  God  a  "  rea- 
fonable  fervice."  The  fup.erior  p.owers  ot  the  foul  may  be  in 
an  afcending  motion,  uv,  to  "  the  Father  of  lights  ;"  and  in  a 
progreflive  motion,. to  ward  the  "  reft  which  remaineth  to  the 
people  of  God."  The  lips  of  the  wife  and  good  may  be  de- 
voted to  the  diffufion  ot  ufeful  knowledge,  and  the  ear  of  the 
willing  and  obedient  may  drink  in  the  doclrines  of  truth,  and 
the  obligations  of  duty.  This  mutual  interchange  of  kind  of- 
fices will  produce  an  interchange  of  kind  affe£t.ions.  Good- 
will among  men  will  be  preferved  and  promoted.  The  bands 
of  Nature  .will  be  ftrengthened  by  ihofe  of  religion.  To  wor- 
ship in  one  temple  will  become  a  bond  of  union  among  breth- 
ren, and  will  extinguifh  the  coal  of  ammofity  ;  and  thus  "god- 
Hqefs  will  be  found  profitable  unto  all  things,"  and  will  exert 
a- happy  influence  over  "the  life  which  now  is  "  while  it  em- 
'jfuees  "  the  piomife  of  that  which  is  to  come." 

3,   Conformity; 


Left.   XI.]  JESUS    CHRIST. 

3.  Conformity  in  things  of  inferior  or  of  no  moment,  is  ■ 
duty  which  we  owe  botli  to  ourfelves  and  to  oiiic! s  :  to  our- 
selves, becaufe  it  is  the  mark  of  a  gracious  and  condefceni 
character;  to  others,  becaule  every  man  has  a  title,  to  defer- 
ence and  relpecl,  in  matters  where  another  man's  conference 
is  not  concerned-  Sournefs  and  incompliance  are  no  part  of 
the  Spirit  of  Chrilt.  Neverthcleis,  many  who  bear  that  name 
difcover  a  tcnacioufnefs  of  trifles,  a  bigotry  to  fell-opinion,  in- 
conuftent  not  only  with  the  Chtiliian  temper,  but  with  good 
fenie  and  good  manners.  This  morofeneis  ot  difpofuioa  lev- 
els all diihnciions,  and  affixes  the  lame  idea  of  criminality  to 
an  enormous  offence  and  adherence  to  a  barrjple/s  form  or  cere- 
mony. With  a  111  ci n  of  this  ddcription,  "  He  that  kiileth  an 
ox,  is  as  if  he  flew  a  man  :  he  that  faLrificeth  a  lamb,  as  li  he 
cut  off  a  dog's  neck  ;  he  that  orfereth  an  oblation,  as  if  he  of- 
fered (wine's  blood  ;  he  that  burnetii  incenie,  as  it  he  bleiled 
an  idol."  Difference  of  opinion  among  men  is  part  of  the 
plan  of  a  wife  Providence.  It  affords  ex'ercile  to  human  fac- 
ulties ;  it  expands  a  field  for  the  dilplay  of  mutual  forbear- 
ance ;  it  is  a  linking  mamfeftation  of  the  variety  of  the  works 
of  God.  He  who  will  yield  no  point,  however  inugnincant, 
has  no  reafon  to  expect  ih  .t  his  punctilio  fhould'be  regarded. 
Were  the  whole  world  of  this  ungainly,  untracfable,  uncomply- 
ing nature,  foeiey  would  prefent  a  perpetual  and  univerlal 
ilrite  ol  com  adietory  feelings,  humours  and  interefls.  The 
rule  of  the  Gufp.T  is  in  this  cd(c,  as  in  every  other,  abfolute  : 
"All  tilings  whatloever  ye  would  that  men  (hould  do  to  you, 
do  ye  even  fo  to  them  :  for  this  is  the  law  and  the  prophets." 
Indeed  the  great  Prophet  carries  the  fpirit  of  his  religion 
much  farther  :  "  I  fay  unto  you,  that  ye  refill  not  evil  ;  but 
whofoever  ihall  finite  thee  on  thy  right  cheek,  turn  to  him. the 
otUeralfo.  And  it  any  man  will  fue  ihee  at  the  law,  and  take 
away  thy  coat,  let  him  have  thy  cloak  alfo.  And  whofoever 
ihall  compel  thee  to  go  a  mile,  go  with  him  twain.  Give  to 
him  that  alketh  thee  ;  and  from  him  that  would  borrow  of  thee 
turn  not  thou  away." 

_j.  Watch  and  leize  every  prornifing  oppoitunity  of  doing 
good;  and  luch  occur  every  day  that  we  live.  Have  we  not  the 
poor  always  with  us  ?  Might  not  the  crumbs  which  fail  Irom 
that  table  be  given  to  feed  many  ilarving  mouths  ?  Do  we  not 
live  in  contact  with  ignorance  and  vice,  with  mifery  and  dif- 
eafe  ?  And  is  it  in  our  power  to  grant  no  relief,  not  fo  much 
as  "  a  cup  of  cold  water  V*  It  is  truly  humbling  to  reflect  how 
means  and  occahons  of  being  m'etul  to  the  bodies  and  to  the 
fouls  of  men.,  and   of  promoting  our   own   highcit   interefls, 

have 


a  10  HISTORY  &i  [heft*  xta. 

have  been  carelefsly  neglected,  or  deliberately  abufed.  Judg- 
ment to  come,  however,  fets  the  matter  in  a  very  ferious  light  :: 
"  I  was  an  hungered,  and  ye  gave  me  no  meat  :  I  was  thirfty, 
and  ye  gave  me  no  drink  :  I  was  a  ftranger,  and  ye  took  me 
not  in  :  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me  not :  fick,  and  in  prifon,  and 
ye  vifited  me  not."  "  Vei  iiy  X  lay  unto  you,  in  as  much  as  ye  did/ 
it  not  to  one  ol  the  leaft  of  thefe,  ye  did  it  not  to  me." 

But  this  direction  too  muft  be  accompanied  with  a  caution. 
"  Let  not  your  good  be  evil  fpoken  of.'?  "  Gi-e  not  that  which 
is  holy  unto  the  dogs,  neither  caft  ye  your  pearls  before  fwine, 
left  they  trample  them  under  their  feet,  and  turn  again  and  rent 
you."  There  is  an  officioufnefs  of  perhaps  well-meaning  good- 
nets,  which  fometimes  difdains  to  weigh  the  circumftances  of 
times,  places  and  perfons;  which  will  introduce  certain  topics 
out  of,  as  well  as  in  feafon,  to  the  grief  of  the  more  prudently 
ferious,  the  difguft  of  the  lukewarm,  and  the  minh  of  the  pro- 
fane. "A  word  fpoken  in  due  feafon,  how  good  is  it!"  "  A 
word  fitly  fpoken  is  like  apples  of  gold  in  pictures  ot  filver. 
As  an  ear-ring  of  gold,  and  an  ornament  of  fine  gold,  fo  is  a 
wife  reprover  upon  an  obedient  ear."     Finally, 

5.  Bring  forh  "  things  new  and  old,"  from  the  inevhauflible- 
ilores  of  Scripture.  From  this  facred  repofhory  our  blefTed 
Lord  derived  arguments  to  filence  and  confound  the  adve  farya 
and  a  fubject  of  inftru£lion  for  the  men  of  Nazareth  From  the 
fame  precious  treafury,  from  thofe'* wells  of  lahation  "the  faith- 
ful of  every  age  have  drawn  the  waters  of  confolation,  to  fupporf 
and  refrefh  them  under  every  pre  flu  re  of  diftrefs  to  counter- 
act the  bitternefs  of  death,  and  to  enjoy  a  foretafte  of  the  '  pure 
river  of  water  of  life,  proceeding  out  of  the  throne  of  God,  and 
of  the  Lamb."  M  Jefus  anfwered  and  fai  ,"  to  the  woman  ot* 
Samaria,  at  Jacob's  well,  ■  •  Whofoever  drinketh  of  this  wa  er 
fhall  thirft  again  :  but  whofoever  drinketh  of  the  water  that  I 
fhall  give  him  fhall  never  thirft;  but  the  water  that  I  (hall  give 
him  fhall  be  in  him  a  well  of  water  fpringing  up  into  everlaft- 
ing  life  ."  and  "all  Scripture  is  given  by  infpiration  of  God, 
and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for 
inftruction  in  righteoufnefs ;  that  the  man  of  God  may  be  per- 
fect., thoroughly  furnifhed  unto  all  good  works:"  Therefore, 
"  fearch  the  Scriptures;"  as  Chrift  hath  commanded,  "for  in 
them  ye  think  ye  have  eternal  lite :  and  they  are  they  which 
teftify  of  me."  Ye  "  have  Mofes  and  the  Prophets  ;"  ye  have 
Chrift  and  his  Apoftles ;  hear  them.  It  men  reject  their  tefti- 
monv,  "■•  neither  will  they  be  perfuaded,  though  one  rofe  from 
the  dead." 

LECTURE 


LtEt.  xil.j  jesus  ciiKii..  ny 


LECTURE     XII. 


LUKE,  IV.  i6—22. 

/ind  he  came  to  Nazareth,  where  he  had  been  brought  up :  and, 
as  his  cujlom.  was,  he  went  into  the  Synagogue  on  the  jab  bath- 
day,  and  flood  up  for  to  read.  4nd  there  was  delivered  unto 
him  the  book  oj  the  prophet  Efaias  :  and  when  he  had  opened 
the  book  he  found  the  place  where  it  was  written,  the  /pint  of 
the  Lord  is  upon  me,  becav/e  he  hath  anointed  me  to  preach  the 
Go/pel  to  the  poor  ;  he  hath  fent  me  to  heal  the  brokeu-hearttd, 
to  preach  deliverance  to  the  captives,  and  recovering  oj  fi^ht 
to  the  blind,  to  Jet  at  liberty  them  that  are  bruijed  :  to  preach 
the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord.  And  lie  clojed  the  book,  and 
gave  it  asain  to  ike  mrnifler,  and  /at  down.  And  the  eyes  of 
a'l  them  thai  were  m  the  fynagoguc  were fa/lened  on  him.  And 
he  began  to  fay  unto  them,  this  day  is  this  /enpture  fulfilled  t a 
your  tars,  And  all  bare  him  witnefs,  and  wondered  at  tht 
gracious  words  which  proceeded  cut  of  his  mouth. 

WE  read,  in  the  biftory  of  the  patriarchal  ages,  of  an  illui- 
trioufi  perfonage  who  exercifed  at  once  the  functions  of 
a  prieit  and  of  a  foverejgn  ;  Melchizedec,  "King  ot  Salem, 
and  priell  of  the  Mod  High  God."  He,  whom  this  venerable 
perfori  tTius  early  represented  to  the  world,  united  to  thefe  two 
jcharaHers,  a  third,  Jeis  fplendid  indeed,  but  not  lefs  important, 
t:  a  ot  a  teacher  and  in  (true!  or  ot  mankind;  and  thus  He  be- 
came all  that  a  guijty  eoilaved,  ignorant  world  flood  in  need 
of.  In  the  bleffed  Jefus,  O  wretched  man,  thou  beholdeft  the 
1  :.    il  :  .;    1  rebellion,  who  hath,  by  one  offering, 

tinf,  one  biood,   procured  the  remiflion  of  all  thy  offen- 
:<:e   ol    the  kings   of  the   earth,    who  has  broken 
ei  the  bands  of  thy  y  die,  and  aflerted  thee  into  the  "  glo- 
:  .    e  nns  ot  God  ;"  and  the  great,  the  unerring 

10m  God,  who  ipal.e  as  never  man  fpake,  whofe 
.    1  w  fe  uiit )  faj  '  jnon. 

1  Lord  ot  Nature  we   have  [cen  him  ex- 

a  powers  of  the  worlds    vifible    and 

..ight  by  a  word,  receiving  the  hom- 

trations  1  r  aii^els.    As  an  High  Priell,  "alter  the 

r  ot  Melchizedec,"  we  mail  in  the  progrefs  oi  this  hiltory 

be!'   Id 


,ri8  history  of  [;Le£r.  rxi& 

behold  him  offering  himlelf,  cnce  for  all,  "a  facrifice  of  a  fweet 
rlmelling  favour  unio  God."  We  are  this  evening  to  fit  at  his 
feet  and  to  liflen  to  him  m  his  humbler  and  more  familiar 
character  of  the  meek,  patient,  and  condefcending  inftru&or  of 
the  weak,  the  ignorant,  and  the  prejudiced.  And,  O  may  the 
o-iacious  words  which  proceed  from  his  mouth  not  only  excite 
our  wonder,  but  penetrate  and  melt  our  heaits,  kindle  our  re- 
pentings  together,  and  put, all  that  remains  ot  our  exiflence  un^ 
<fcr  the  dominion  or  love. 

His  Brft  labours  of  affection  were  bellowed  upon  his  kin- 
dred and  acquaintance,  they  were  confecratea  to  the  improve- 
ment of  the  companions  and  triends  of  early  life.  He  had 
hitherto  taught  them  by  example,  he  now  teaches  them  out  of 
the  written  word.  Had  he  been  covetous  of  fame  or  of  hon- 
our he  would  furely  have  chofen  another  theatre  on  which  to 
difplay  his  fuperior  powers,  for, he  well  knew  that  no  prophet 
is  accepted  in  his  own  country  He  well  knew  that  eminent 
excellency  excites  envy,  that  envy  produces  malignity,  and 
that  malice  prompts  to  evil  fpeaking.  But  regard  to  his  own 
intereft  and  eafe  is  loll  in  companion  to  others,  and  the  love  of 
reputation  with  men  reverently  bends  to  zeal  for  the  glory  of 
God.  Every  circumftanceof  the  fee ne  before  us -is  imereiling 
and  inftruBive. 

We  have  in  the  preceding  Leclure  adverted  to  thofeof  place, 
it  was  "  in  Galilee  at  Nazareth  where  He  had  been  brought 
up,"  and  "  in  the  fynagogue."  Attend  now  to  the  Jeajon,  it 
was  on  the  fabbaih-day .  As  to  the  pure  all  places,  fo  all  times 
are  pure,  yet  to  man,  weak  and  imperfect  as  he  is,  diflinclion 
of  both  time  and  place  is  important  and  necelTary.  Shew  me 
a  man  who  is  habitually  and  uniformly  that  in  the  world, 
which  decency  obliges  him  to  appear  to  be  in  thehoufe  of  God, 
and  I  mail  not  preiume  to  condemn  him,  though  he  frequent 
not  the  temple  ;  although  fitch  an  one  is  of  all  others  the  leaft 
likely  to  delert  it.  Shew  me  the  man  whole  every  day  is  a 
day  ot  order,  of  piety,  of  mercy,  and  of  good  works,  and  luch 
an  one  Ihall,  for  me,  fpend  the  feventh  day  in  what  manner  he 
wilt  ;  though  fuch  an  one  is  of  all  others  themoft  likely  to  put 
refpecl  on  the  ordinance  of  God.  Who  of  all  thofe,  who  are 
born  ot  a  woman,  flood  leafl  in  need  ot  the  influence  and  af- 
fiflanceof  facred  edifices  andfeafons  ?  He  whofe  converfation 
-was  continually  in  heaven,  whofe  M  meat  and  drink  it  was  to. 
do  the  will  of  his  heavenly  Father,"  who  never  loft  fight,  for 
a  moment,  of  the  great  end  ot  his  million.  And  who  was  fo 
regular  in  his  attendance  on  the  exercifes  of  religious  worfhip; 

who 


Lett.  XII-.]  £ESUS  CHRIST  nr( 

who  wasfo  exa£t  in  the  obfervance  of  every  inft'itution  that  was- 
damped  with  marks  ot  divine  authority  ? 

The  fabbath  is  an  ordinance  ot  mercy,  defigned  by  Him  who 
"  preferveth  man  and  beau1,''  to  be  an  interruption  ot  painful; 
toil,  a  reftorer  of  ex  hauled  nature,  a  feafon  of  repofe  ;  but  in-. 
perfect  confiftency  with  this,  it  is  a  feafon  ot"  mental  exertion 
of  beneficence  ;  ot  devout  contemplation,  of  virtuous,  facial. 
intercourse.  But  the  obfervance  of  the  labbath  had,  when  our 
Saviour  came  into  the  world  ;  degenerated  into  a* narrow  and- 
grovelling  fuperftition,  which  (eparated  from  it  every  idea  of 
mercy  and  good  will  to  men,  and  tKe  fpirit  was  funk  in  the 
letter.  It  therefore  became,  this  great  Teacher,  to  re  ft  ore  the 
iiiftitution  to  its  primitive  defign  and  ufe,  and  to  guard  man- 
kind equally  againft  the  extremes  ot  fuperftition,  oh  the  one 
hand,  and  of  profanity  on  the  other  :  and  this  he  does  wi  h  a-. 
wifdom,  a  delicacy,  and  a  dignity  peculiar  to  himfelf;  Who 
can  think  flight ly  of  what  he  treated  with  rcfpecl  ?  Who  dares. 
to  violate  what  he  obferved  as  "  the  holy  of  the  Lord  and  hon- 
ourable ?"  And  who  again  can  think  he  it  doing  honour  to- 
God  by  exprefling  indifference,  unkindnefs,  and  want  of  fym- 
pathy  to  men  ?'  He  who  attended  the  fynagogue,  who  read 
and  expounded  the  Scriptures  on  the  fabbath  •  on  the  labbath 
alfo  reftored  the  withered  band,  defended  his  difciples  from  the 
charge  of  profanation  difplayed  the  character  of  the  fover- 
Lord  of  the  fabbath,  as  preferring  mercy  to  facrifice,  and  as^ 
having  inllituted  "  the  fabbath  for  man,  and  not  man  tor  the 
labbath." 

Obferve  farther,  the  Evangelift  takes  care  to  inform  us  that 
Chrift's  attendance  on  th?  fervices  of  the  fynagogue  and  the 
fabbath  was  not  merely  accidental'or  occafional,  but  habitual 
and  ftated  :  as  his  cu/tom  was.  What  we  do  according  to  no- 
Sxed  rule,  we  do  feebly  and  confiifedly.  What  we  do  feldoiriv 
we  do  with  reluctance  and  diflike  ;  and  from  di (like  the  nat- 
ural tranfition  is  to  totaT  omilTion.  On  the  contrary,  what  is 
fubje&ed  to  rule  is  done  accurately  and  efficiently  ;  what  we 
do  habitually,  wedo  with  cafe  and  delight  ;  For  cuftom,  fays 
the  ptoverb,  and  with  much  truth,  is  a  fecond  nature.  The 
Saviour  ot  the  world,  accordingly,  vouehfafed  to  become  an 
example  here  alfo,  as  of  every  thing  elfe  that  is  wife  and  good; 
He  was  a  pattern  ot  regular,  orderly  conduct;  from  his  chi 
hood,  and  upward,  He  was  a  filent  instructor  of  the  fucceflive 
fiages  of  rifing  exiflence,  in  docility,  in  contentment,  in  fub- 
miffion,in  regularity. 

Let  no  one  tell  me  that  it  is  ufelefs  to  habituate  children  he- 
times  to  the  forms  oi  devotion  ;  to   the  obfervance  of   in  ft  it  u- 

_ 


120  HISTORY  OF  [Lea.  xtt< 

tions  whofe  meaning  and  intention  they  do  not  fully  compre- 
hend :  to  reftraints  which  to  them  appear  harfh  and  unreafona* 
ble.  It  is  a  great  thing,  indeed  it  is  every  thing,  to  be  under 
the  government  of  innocent  or  praife-worthy  cuftoms  :  to  bt 
mured  to  the  laws  of  order  ;  to  be  prepared  for  thinking  tot 
themfelves,  and  for  having  their  ientimenfs  heard  and  attended 
to,  by  learning  to  pay  re f peel:  to  the  underftanding,  to  the  opin- 
ions, and  to  the  experience  of  others.  Think  with  what  holy- 
indignation,  He,  whofe  name  we  bear,  would  have  liftened  to 
a  propofal  to  violate  his  cuftotn,  and  to  make  the  hour  of  the 
devotions  of  the  fynagogue,  the  hour  of  walking  into  the  corn- 
fields ! 

The  hiirorian  is  here  frngularly  minute,  and  gives  wonder- 
ful vivaoiiy  to'his ■  reprefentation.  by  going  into  a  detail  of  par- 
ticulars. Among  thefe,  we  mufl  advert  to  his  pofture  and  at- 
titude, when  employed  m  reading  to  the  people  the  word  of 
God.  He  flood  up  for  io  read.  Nature  feems  to  point  this 
out  as  an  attitude  of  reverence  and  refpecl.  Since  the  days  of 
Abraham,  who  Rood  up  and  bowed  himfelf  before  the  people 
of  the  land  wherein  he  dwelt,  the  wife,  the  benevolent,  and 
the  courteous  have  employed  it  as  an  exprefhon  of  regard  to  fu- 
perior  fan6tity,  power,  majefty  or  multitude.  Pofture  is,  in  it- 
felf,  {fill  more  indifferent  than  time  or  place  -r  but  nothing  is 
indifferent  in  the  eyes  of  true  wifdom  by  which  the  interefts 
of  eitherhuman  virtue  or  felicity  can  be  affected.  Truth  is  the 
fame  whether  delivered  in  an  ereel:  or  a  recumbent  pofture0 
But  in  matters  of  this  lort,  What  fays  common  practice?  Will 
my  compliance  conciliate  affection,  procure  attention,  give 
force  to  what  is  faid  ?  Then  I  will  cheerfully  conform  Will 
my  fingularity  give  offence,  will  it  awaken  prejudice,  will  it 
injure  the  caufe  I  mean  to  promote  ?  Then  I  will  not  affect 
fingula-iry  ;  I  will  not  be  uncomplying  nor  unkind  ;  and  I 
will  diffent  only  where  confcience  is  concerned,  and  where 
compliance  would  be  criminal. 

How  melancholy  it  is  to  refleel:,  on  the  talents  which  have 
been  perverted,  on  the  time  which  has  been  wafted,  but  that  is 
comparatively  nothing,  on  the  angry  fpirits  which  have  been 
excited,  on  the  oceans  of  blood  which  have  been  fpilt,  in  de- 
termining whether  ft.nding,  fitting  or  kneeling  ;  whether  this 
or  the  other  uneffehtial  circumftance  were  moft  adapted  to 
the  nature  of  things,  or  moft  conformable  to  the  will,  or  con- 
ducive to  the  glory,  of  the  Creator.  In  this  too,  therefore,  I 
confider  the  example  of  Chrift  as  intelligible,  decided  and  in- 
olruclive. 

He  il  ifood  up  io  read;'     Happily  for  the  world,   its  infor- 
mation' 


Left.  &II.]  JESUS  CHRIST.  ISi 

mation  and  inftrucTion  in  matters  of  pverlafling  moment  were 
not  entrufted  to  the  uncertainty,  the  changeablenefs  and  the 
corruptibility  ot  oral  tradition  He  who  bellowed  on  man 
the  gift  of  fpeech,  for  the  mutual  communication  of  thought, 
gave  likewife  the  pattern  of  permanent  fpeech  by  means  of 
writing;  by  which  thought  is  tranfmitted  from  region  to  re- 
gion, from  generation  to  generation,  unfophiflicated,  unim- 
paired Hence  the  events  which  Mo  Pes  recorded,  and  which 
Ifaiah  predicted,  the  precepts  ol  the  Law  and  the  promifes  or. 
the  Gofpel  defcend  from  age  to  age  in  equal  purity,  weight 
and  meafure  :  and  the  fon  fees,  reads  and  apprehends  the  felf- 
fame  truth  which  was  the  light  and  joy  ot  his  progenitors. 
And  what  mud  it  have  been  to  hear  the  fublime  and  pathetic 
{trains  of  Ifaiah  pronounced  by  the  tongue  of  Him  who  formed 
the  ear  for  the  perception  of  melodious  founds,  the  mouth  to 
utter  them,  and  the  heart  to  receive  the  impreffion  of  facred 
and  infrefting  truth  !  We  may  judge  of  it  from  the  mute  at- 
tention with  which  he  was  heard,  and  from  the  wonder  exprefT- 
ed,  after  he  had  finiihed,  **  at  the  gracious  words  whch  pro- 
ceeded out  of  his  mourh." 

It  would  appear  that  it  was  not  only  "  his  cuftom"  to  attend 
the  fynagogue,  but  to  perform  the  office  of  public  reader  to 
the  affembly.  For  the  proper  mini  Pier  delivers  to  Him,  as  to 
the  acknowledg.d  conductor  of  this  part  of  the  fervice,  that 
portion  of  the  Sacred  Code  which  either  order  prefcribed,  or 
which  his  felection  called  for,  or  to  which  Providence  fpecial- 
ly  directed  ;  and  he  received  it  from  Him  again  to  be  deooru- 
ed  in  its  place.  And  whether  indeed  did  Providence,  inde- 
pendent ot  human  defign  or  forefight,  by  a  fpecial  interpofi- 
tion  unfold  the  particular  paffage  from  ancient  prophecy  ;  or 
did  his  own  choice  felect  it  as  peculiaily  applicable  totheocca- 
fion  ?  In  either  cafe,  what  portion  of  the  Old  Tellamcnt  Scrip- 
tures is  more  emphatically  defcriptive  of  his  perfon,  character, 
and  divine  million  ?  And  what  can  be  fo  worthy  of  our  moft 
deep  and  ferious  attention,  whether  we  con  fid er  the  infinite 
and  everlafting  moment  of  the  fubjecl,  the  inter  >ft  which  we 
have  in  it  or  the  affecting  correfpondence  ot  the  event  with 
the  prediction,  of  the  prophet  with  his  ubjeft. 

The  prophecy  holds  up  to  view  a  perfon  of  the  mod  dif- 
tinguilhed  eminence,  confecrated  in  the  molt  extraordinary 
manner,  to  the  execution  ot  the  mod  geneious,  mercitul  and 
benevolent  purpoles.  and  in  language  the  moft  powerful  and 
pathetic.  It  is  the  anointed  of  the  Lord  God,  his  Holy  One, 
who  alone  could  without  pielumption  undertake,  and  trium- 
phantly accompliih,  the  work  of  redemption,  and  could  un- 

Q  lol<* 


t§*  HISTORY    OF  [Left,  xir, 

f.Jd  that  "  great  myftery  of  Godlinefs"  which  angels  defire  td 
took  into  :  who  was  fet  apart  from  everlaiting  to  this  high  des- 
tination, who  was  gradually  revealed,  and  in  the  fulnefs  of 
time,  fent  to  be  the  falvation  of  God  to  all  the  ends  of  the  earth. 
Who  was  anointed,  not  as  Aaron  to  the  prieflhood,  and  David 
to  the  fovereignty  by  a  material  oil  of  exquifite  odour  and  coft- 
1'y  price,  but  by  the  efTufion  of  the  Spirit,  the  Spirit  of  power,, 
of  wifdom,  of  holinefs,  which  retted  upon  him  without  meaf- 
ure  ;  and  which  was  beftowed  upon  him  for  what  purpofe  ? 
with  Mofes  to  humble  the  pride,  and  crufh  the  power  of  E- 
gypt  ?  or  with  Cyrus,  "  to  fubdue  nations,  to  I'oofe  the  loins  of 
lings,  to  open  before  him  the  two-leaved  gates,  to  make  the 
crooked  places  ftraight,  to  break  in  pieces  the  gates  of  brafs, 
and  cut  in  fonder  the  bars  of  iron  \3  to  execute  the  righteous 
judgment  of  the  Eternal  on  rebellion,  prefurription  and  difobe- 
dience  ;  to  condemn  and  to  deftroy  ?  No,  when  this  mighty 
One  cometh,  armed  with  power,  anointed  with  the  Spirit,  it 
is  to  difpenfe  grace,  to  diffufe  bappinefs,  to  relieve  the  mifer- 
able. 

"  He  hath  anointed  me  to  preach  the  gofpel  to  the  poor.** 
The  poor  are,  with  the  great  of  the  earth,  the  objects  of  neg- 
leB,  arid  contempt,  and  oppreffion.  In  the  dictionary  of  the 
world,  rich  means  refpecfable,  poweiful  and  important  :  and 
poverty  is  equivalent  to  wretcliednefs,  riieannefs,  defpicability. 
But  the  d  Ipeniation  of  grace  by  the  gofpel  inverts  this  order  ; 
n  affixes  a  different,  indeed  an  oppofite  meaning  to  words,  it 
raifes  into  confluence  what  was  iightly  efteemed,  and  it  hurls 
pride  down  to  the  ground.  It  '*  puts  down  the  mighty  from 
their  feats,  and  exaheth  them  of  low  degree."  Is  it  poverty  of 
condition  ?  That  is  no  bar  againfl  the  admiflion  of  the  confo- 
lations  of  Chriftianity  ;  that  is  no  difqualification  for  enjoying 
the  rights  of  citizenfhip  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  that  im- 
plies no  exclufion  from  the  glorious  "  privileges  of  the  fons  of 
God  ;"  that  implies  neither  fin  nor  fhame.  Is  it  poverty  of 
fpirit  ?  It  is  the  creature's  higheft  glory  ;  it  is  the  Redeemer's 
brighteft  and  moll  perfect  image  ;  it  is  the  foul's  preparation 
for  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  To  the  one  and  to  the  other  is  the 
anointed  of  the  Lord  fent  to  preach  the  gofpel;  to  the  poor 
in  this  world,  that  they  may  learn  to  be  fober  minded;  patient 
and  content  ;  net  envying  nor  grieving  at  the  good  of  others, 
but  laying  up  for  themfelves  "  treafures  in  heaven  ;"  looking 
for  "  another  Country,"  for  "  a  city  which  hath  foundations, 
whofe  builder  and  maker  is  God  :"— to  the  poor  in  fpirit,  that 
they  may  "grow  in  grace,"  that  they  may  contemplate  and 
Sallow  their  pattern  more  clofely,  learning  of  him  daily  to  be 

*  meek 


£.€&.    XII.J  JESUS   CHRIST.  i  «j 

f<  meek  and  lowly  in   heart,   that  they   may  find  reft  to  their 
fouls." 

"  He  hath  fent  me  to  k?al  the  broken  hearted.'"  Gracious 
office  !  divine  Phyfician  !  Thou  on!/  art  equal  to  the  tafk. 
M  The  heart  knoweth  its  own  bitternefs  ;"  Ttie  ill  admi's  of 
no  cure  ;  the  officious  confolationof  thecrea'ure  onJy  irritates 
the  wound  ;  time  itfelf  brings  no  relief.  But  behold,  here, 
not  a  temporary  relief,  but  a  lading  cure  i  not  the  tranfient 
foirit  and  calm  of  a  ftupifying  opiate,  but  the  folid  fupport  of 
wholelome  food,  and  the  relrelhing  balm  of  wholefome  reft, 
An  infnaring,  perlecuting  world,  mourner  in  Zion,  difturbs 
thy  peace,  and  breaks  thy  heart ;  but  He  hath  fa»d  "  be  of 
good  cheer,  I  have  oveicome  the  world  "  **  In  the  world  ye 
fhall  have  tribulation,  but  in  me  ye  fhajl  have  peace."  ,  In  the 
bitternefs  of  thy  foul  thou  cricft  out,  *:  O  wretched  man  that  J 
am  !  who  fhall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ?"— 
Trembling,  finking  creature,  fpeak  peace  to  thy  foul,  "  return 
to  thy  reft,"  "  there  is  no  condemna  ion  to  them  th.»t  are  in 
Chrift  Jefus ;  it  is  God  that  juftifieth  :  who  is  he  that  con- 
demneth  ?" 

To  preach  deliverance  to  the  captives.  Bondage,  flavery, 
captivity  are  happily  known  to  us  only  by  the  name,  or  in 
idea.  We  are  more  than  Abraham's  children  ;  our  lathers 
contended  for  liberty,  Heaven  granted  it,  and  we  enjoy  it. 
But  ah  !  our  country  is  but  a  fpeck  on  the  globe  ;  our  popula» 
tion  is  but  a  handful  of  men.  And  alas,  even  in  our  own 
country  there  is  captivity.  How  many  among  us  "  wax  poor 
and  fall  into  decay,"  and  that  not  from  profligacy  and  produ 
gality  alone  ?  The  creditor  cometh,  and  thjre  is  nothing  to 
give  him.  The  lofs  of  liberty  is  the  confequence  :  the  evil 
becomes  worfe  and  worfe.  He  who  entered  within  the  walls 
of  a  prifon  unfortunate  only,  continues  there  under  a  total  in* 
capacity  of  fhaking  off  calamity.  What  was  at  fit  ft  the  pref- 
fure  of  debt,  imperceptibly  changes  into  an  intoLrab.e  load  of 
vice,  from  which  a  m;racle  of  grace  alone  can  deliver.  How 
many  thoufands  of  our  fellow  fuhjects  are  in  this  unhappy. 
this  alrnoft  hopelefs  condition  !  But  liberty  may  exift  even  in 
a  dungeon.  If  the  prifoner  carries  with  him  into  confine- 
ment the  "  fpirit  of  adoption,"  he  is  already  delivered  from 
bondage.  No  bolts,  nor  bais,  nor  fetters  of  iron  can  re  (train 
the  heaven-born  min  :  he  can  look  up  and  "  cry,  Abba,  Fath- 
er!" "  He  that  is  cal  led  in  the  Lord,  being  a  flave,  is  ihe 
Lord's  freeman."  M  It  the  Son  fhall  make  you  free,  ye  fhall  be 
free  indeed."  Paul  in  bonds,  a  prifoner  in  the  caufe  of  Jefus 
Chrift,   poif  fles  a  nobly  free  and  independent  fpir'tt.     Galled 

with 


i*4  HISTORY  OF  [Left.  XII. 

with  "many  {tripes  ;"  "  thrufl  into  the  inner  prifon"  at  Phil- 
ippi,  with  Silas  his  companion  in  tribulation,  *■  their  feet  made 
fail  in  the  flocks,"  they  enjoy  liberty  of  accefs  to  the<hrone  of 
Grace.  *t  At  midnight  they  prayed,  and  fang  praifes  unto 
Go  1  "  Thus  "  the  Lord  loofeth  the  prifoners,"  and  thus  the 
Anointed  is  ,4  lent  to  preach,"  and  to  give  '*  deliverance  to  the 
captives." 

Bu'  what,  in  refpec>  either  of  multitude   or   of  mifery,  are 
imprisoned  debtors,  or  even  felons  lying  under  the  rod  or  the 
law,    compared  to  the  voluntarily    en flawed   ?     V    Whofoever 
committeth  fin  is  the  flvive  of  fin."     And  what  blindnefs  is  like 
wilful  blindnels,  and  what  fei ^itude  fo  hopelefs,  lo  inglorious 
as  that  into  which  a  man  degrades  himfelt  ?   It  is  fome  allevia- 
tion ot  the  depreilion  ot  a  iervile  eftate,  that,  the  mailer  is  hon- 
ourable, and  that  the  fervice  required  is  neither  humiliating  nor 
fevere  :  but  O  how  mortifying  the  reflection  of  being   in  fub* 
jection  to  an  unfeeling  monller,  to   a  capricious    tyrant,    to   a 
contemptible  groundling  !  And  fuch  is  every  Have  to  irregular 
appetite,  whether  v  he  "  the  lull  of  the  flelh,  or  the  lull  ot  the 
eyes,  or  the  pride  of  life."     Such  dream  that  they   are  follow- 
ing their  own  will    but  in  truth   they  '*  are  led  captive   by   Sa- 
tan at  his  will  :"  and*'  the  wages  of  fin  is  death."     To  deliver 
from  this  moll  inglorious,  this  fatal  thraldom,  then,  is   the   ob- 
ject of  Chrift's  million.     What,  Britons,  glory,  and  weli   you 
may,  in  your  civil  liberties  !  and  willingly  afTume  the  yoke  ot 
a  paltry  intereft,  of  a  grovelling  propenfity  which    you   are  a- 
iharaed  to  avow  !  What,  m^ke  it  your  boaff.  that    the  moment 
the  ill-fated  African  breathes  Britith  air  he  becomes  free  !  and 
continue    deliberately   to  "  fulfil    the    defires    of  the  nVlh  and 
of  the  mind,"  which  "  war  again!!  the  foul  !"  Great    Deliver- 
er, exert  thy  power,  difplay  thy  grace  ;  "  open  their  eyes,  turn 
them  from  darknefs  to  light,  and  from  the  power  ot  S;itan  un- 
to God.  that  they  may  receive  forgivenefs  ot  fins,  and   inheri- 
tance among  them  which  are  fan&ificd." 

"  He  hdth  fent  me — tor  the  recovering  of  fight  to  the  blird." 
On  what  numberlefs.,  and  what  delicate  hinges  does  human 
comfort  turn  !  Who  cart  defcribe  "  the  thouiand  natural  lhocks 
that  llcfh  is  heir  to  ?"  Were  the  kindnefs  of  Nature  or  the  care 
of  Providence  to  be  fulpended  but  for  a  day,  into  what  a  lazar- 
houfe  would  the  world  be  inftantty  transformed  !  The  defect 
"of  a  nail  of  a  little  finger  is  a  blemifh  in  organization,  but  a 
blemifh  which  nature  leldom  permits  ;  how  much  lefi>  a  defi- 
ciency of  one  of  the  nobler  pans,  or  a  difarrangement  cf  the 
whole  fylfem  !  "  But  that  the  works  of  God  fhould  he  made 
maniteft,"  a  "  man  is  blind  from  his  birth  j"  and  another  lofes 

41  the 


Le'cl.  xii.]  jesus  christ.  125 

"  the  precious  treafure  of  his  eye-fight."  Of  the  two,  the  lat- 
ter furely  is  the  greater  evil.  We  cannot  regret  what  we  have 
hardly  an  idea  of,  what  we  never  pofTefTed,  and  to  which  we 
become  perfectly  reconciled  before  we  are  confcious  of  exig- 
ence. But  to  recollect  the  pleafures  of  vifion  after  the  organ 
is  dedroyed  ;  but  to  be  reduced  to  mourn  with  the  Poet  in 
{hefe  afFe&ing  flrains  : 

With  the  year 
Scafons  return  ;  but  not  to  mc  returns 
P>v,  or  the  fweet  approach  of  ev'n  or  morn. 
Or  fight  of  vernal  bloom,  or  maimer's  rcfe, 
Or  flocks,  or  herds,  or  human  face  divine  : 
But  cloud  inlfead,  and  ever  during  dark 
Surrounds  me  !  from  the  cheerful  ways  of  men 
Cut  off;  and  for  the  book  of  knowledge  fair, 
Prefented  with  a  univerfal  blank 
Ot  na  ure's  works,  to  me  cxpung'd  and  raf'd, 
And  wifdom  at  one  entrance  quite  fhut  out ! 

Farad*  Lost,  III.  40,  &c. 

This  is c<  darkneis  which  may  be  felt."     In  reprefenting,  ac- 
cordingly, the  deplorable  itate  of  the  world    under    the    image 
of  biittJne/s,  a  (late  ol  ignorance,  guilt  and  wretchednels  .  and 
in  reprefenting  the  con efpondent  office  and  work  of  the   Re- 
deemer  th  it  blindneis  is  not  defcribed  as  an  original  and  radi- 
cal defect  ot  figfif,  but  as  the   cafual   deprivation  of   a   blefling 
once  in  pofTefhon  :  and  he  is  confidered  as  fent  not  to   confer 
a  benefit  unknown,  unenjoyed  before,  but  to  reftore  that  which 
wt  \%  loft,  to  i  el  Limine  the  extinguifhed  orb.     The  truth  is,  men 
had  wilfully  fnut  their  eyes,  becaufe  they   could   not    bear   the 
1  his    was  the   condemnation  of  the  unbelieving  Jews, 
1  all  'heir  fuperior  advantages  :  "  Jefus  faid,  For  judgment 
I  am  (Tome  into  this  world  ;  that  they  which  fee  not  might  fee, 
which   fee  might  be  made  blind.     And    fome   of 
mJi  were  with  him  heard  thefe  words,  and  faid 
w  p  blind  alfo  ?  Jefus  faid  unto  them,  If  ye  were 
bhnH,  v         >uld  bave  no  fin  :  but  now  ye  fay.  We  fee;  there- 
to . ■  ■  j  ■        fin  remaineth"     And  this  was  the  condemnation  of 
the    frlf-conceited  Gentiles,    uith   all    their   afTecla'ion  of  wif- 
d  m  :  "  pxofefljng  ihem/elyes  to  be  wife,  they  ''tcame  fools  ;" 
"  they  became    I'aiij  in    their    imaginations,  and    their    foolifh 
was  Jarkened  "  v  are  in  another  place  thus  defcrib- 

ed. and  under  the  f  me  image  ;  *!  'he  Gentiles  walk  in  the 
vanity  of  their  mind  I  a\  mg  the  upderftanding  darkens  1,  l,e- 
ing  alienated  bom  tne  life  of  God  through  the  ignorance  that 
\z  in  them,  becaufe  ot  the  blindnefsof  their  heart:"  And  this 

mental 


*26  HISTORY   OF  [Le&.   XIIt 

mental  darknefs  is  reprefented  as  neceflarily  blended  with  mor- 
al corruption  of  the  grofieft  kind,  Thus  are  both  Jews  and 
Gentiles  involved  in  thick  darknefs,  and  both  under  the  do- 
minion ot  (in  ;  "  God  hath  concluded  them  all  in  unbelief, 
that  he  might  have  mercy  upon  all."  The  promifes  of  Meffiah 
are  ot  equal  extent  ;  as  •*  a  falvation  prepared  before  the 
iace  of  all  people,  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles,  and  the  glory 
of  his  people  Ifrael." 

"  He  is  fent,  to  Jet  at  liberty  them  that  are  bruijed."  We 
have  here  a  reprefentation  ot  human  milery  in  every  circum-.. 
/lance  ot  aggravation  ;  poverty,  mental  depreMion,  captivity, 
blindnefs,  tetters  ot  iron.  There  is  in  this  gradation,  perhaps, 
.an  allufion  to  the  horrid  treatment  of  unhappy  prifoners  on 
i-dling  into  the  hands  ot  their  enemies.  They  were  (hut  up  in 
prifon,  their  eyes  werefhruft  out,  they  were  loaded  with  chains. 
Thus  was  Samfon  treated,  the  moment  hts  il»en.gt}i  failed,  and 
his  cruel  adverfaries  had  obtained  power  over  him  :  "  The 
Phi liftines  took  him,  and  put  out  his  eyes,  and  brought  him 
down  to  Gaza,  and  bound  him  with  fetters  of  brafs  ;  and  he 
did  grind  in  theprrfon-houfe."  And  the  fight  of  his  wretched- 
nefs  they  called  /port.  In  this  manner  could  one  king  a£l  by 
another.  "  So  they  took  the  king,  and  brought  him  up  to 
the  king  of  Babylon  to  Riblah  ;  and  they  gave  judgment  up- 
on him.  And  they  flew  the  fons  of  Zedekiah  before  his  eyes, 
znd  put  out  the  eyes  ot  Zedekiah,  and  bound  him  with  tetters 
ot  brafs,  and  carried  him  to  Babylon."  Such  are  the  dreadful 
abufes  which  a  man  commits  againft  his  brother!  fuch  is  the 
dreadful  malignity  ot  the  human  heart  ;  fuch  the  deteftable 
working  oi  "  the  carnal  mind,"  which  "  is  enmity  againf\ 
God;,"  and  an  unrelenting  foe  to  man  ! 

This  enumeration  of  human  woes,  is  equivalent  to  a  declara- 
tion, that  whatever  may  be  the  nature,  and  whatever  the  extent 
of  the  malady,  the  promifed  Deliverer  mould  come  provided, 
with  a  fuitable  remedy.  And  when  he  did  come,  he  not 
only  exercifed  this  gracious  power  himfelf  ;  for"  they  brought 
unto  him  all  tick  people  that  were  taken  with  divers  difeafes 
and  torments, and  thofe  which  were  poffeffed  with  devils,  and 
thofe  which  were  lunatic,  and  thofe  that  had  the  palfy  ;  and 
tie  healed  them;"  but  he  communicated  the  fame  falutary  vir- 
tue to  his  difciples  alio  ;  M  He  gave  them  power  againft  unclean, 
Spirits,  to  cafr.  them  out,  and  to  heal  all  manner  of  ficknefs,  and 
all  manner  ot  difeafe."  And  thus  was  the  Scripture  fulfilled. 
The  prophecy  contains  one  important  article  more: 

The  Anointed  is  fent  to  preach  the  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord. 
""The  Law  had  a  fliadow  of  good  things  to  corae."    With  its 

fever  i^ 


left.   XII.]  JESUS  CHRIS?.  ,»/ 

feverity  was  blended  a  powerful  infufion  of  mercy  and  mikl- 
fiefs,  the  particulars  of  which  had  a  direct  reference  to  the  times 
and  the  fpirit  of  the  Gofpef.  Of  thefe  the  year  of  jubilee  was 
oneof  the  moil;  diftinguifhed.  It  was  ufliered  in  with  the  found 
of  the  trumpet,  *' proclaiming  liberty  throughout  all  the  land, 
unto  all  the  inhabitants  thereof."  On  the  return  of  this  hallow* 
ed  fiftieth  year,  debts  were  remitted  ;  alienated  lands  reverted 
to  the  original  proprietor;  the  Hebrew  bond.fervant  to  a  He- 
brew, "  he  and  his  children  with  him"  were  to  be  fet  free,  and 
reftored  to  their  rank  in  Ifrael ;  the  poor  Hebrew,  who  had 
been  reduced  to  the  fad  neceflity  of  felling  himfelt  as  a  Have  to 
a  ftranger,  was  to  be  redeemed  by  his  next  of  kin.  In  a  word, 
at  the  expiration  of  every  feven  times  (even  years,  all  the  dis- 
orders which  had  crept  into  the  commonwealth,  from  the  period 
of  the  preceding  jubilee,  were  to  be  rectified,  and  all  reinftated 
on  the  original  balls.  It  is  eafy  to  conceive  how  fuch  an  era 
would  be  looked  unto  and  longed  for,  what  a  happy  tendency 
it  had  to  ameliorate  the  condition  of  myriads,  and  to  check  the 
progrefs  of  oppredion.  In  contemplating  it,  the  Pfalmifl  ex- 
claims: "  BleiTed  is  the  people  that  know  the  joyful  found  1" 
It  was  a  figure  of  that  "  acceptable  year  of  the  Lord"  which  it 
was  predicted  the  Median  mould  be  fent  to  proclaim,  the  per- 
petual jubilee  otthe  Gofpel,  for  the  remiflion<  of  fins  ;  for  the 
reftoration  of  the  forfeited  inheritance  of  the  faints  ;  for  the 
manumiflion  ©f  the  (lave  ;  tor  the  redemption  of  the  captive  ; 
for  releafing  and  bringing  back  the  exile  :  in  a  word,  "  to  dcf- 
troy  the  works  of  the  devil,"  to  repair  the  ravages  of  fin  and* 
death,  to  introduce  univerfal  and  everlafling  liberty,  and  peace 
and  joy. 

The  fequel  of  this  fervice  of  the  fynagogue,  and  the  effect 
which  it  produced,  will  be  the  fubjecl  of  the  next  Leclure. 

Learn,  Chriftian,  to  compare  Scripture  with  Scripture,  and 
predictions  with  their  correfponding  events.  Search  diligentjy 
for  him  to  whom  all  the  prophets  give  witnefs,  and  in  whom 
41  all  the  promifes  of  God  are  yea,  and  in  Him  amen,  unto  the 
glory  of  God."  Much  is  clearly  manifefled,  and  pointedly 
applied  ;  but  much  ftill  remains  to  be  brought  to  light.  Truth 
will  not  obtrude  itfelf  on  the  carelefs,  fuperficial  reader  or  ob- 
server, but  difclofes  its  hidden  charms  to  the  diligent,  the  de- 
vout and  the  inquifitive.  It  is  the  injunction  of  Chrift  him- 
felt: "  Search  the  Scriptures;  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have 
eternal  life  :  and  they  are  they  which  teftify  ot  me."  Search 
men  in  this  particular  view,  and  you  will  have  to  tell  to  othei  i 
what  Philip  faid  to  Nathaniel ;  "  We  have  found  him  of  whom 
Mofcs  in  the  law,  ami  the  prophets,  did  write,  Jelus  of  Nazar- 

eih.' 


128  HISTORY  OF  [Left.  XII. 

eth."  "  With  joy  fhall  ye  draw  water  out  of  tliefe  wells  of  fal- 
vation  :"  and  having  tatted  how  fweet  and  refrefhing  it  is,  you 
will  be  difpofed  to  impart  it  to  others,  for  in  this,  if  in  any  cafe, 
the  faying  of  the  wife  man  is  verified  :  "  There  is  that  fcattereth 
and  yet  increafeth:"  and  "it  is  more  blefled  to  give  than  t© 


LECTURE 


Left.  XI'IlJ  JESUS  CHRIST.  i«9 


LECTURE     XIIL 


LUKE,  IV.  20—32. 

jlnd  he  do  'edlhe  book,  and  he  gave  it  again  to  the  minijler,  and 
/at  down.  And  the  eyes  of  all  them  that  were  in  the  fyna- 
gogue  iverefaftened  on  him.  And  he  began  to  fay  unto  them, 
this  day  is  this  Scripture  fulfilled  in  yow  ears.  And  all  bare, 
him  witnefs,  and  wondered  at  the  gracious  <uords  which  pro- 
ceeded out  of  his  mouth,  And  they  [aid,  is  not  this  Jof.plis 
fon  ?  And  he  faid  unto  them,  Ye  will  fur  ely  jay  unto  me  this 
proverb,  phyfician,  heal  thyfelf :  Whatfoever  we  have  heard 
done  in  Capernaum,  do  alfo  here  in  thy  country.  And  he  faid, 
verily  I  fay  unto  you,  no  prophet  is  accepted  in  his  own  coun- 
try. But  I  tell  you  of  a  truth,  many  widows  were  in  Ifrael  in 
the  days  of  Elias,  when  the  heaven  was  fut  up  three  years 
and  fix  months,  when  g?  eat  famine  was  throughout  all  the 
land  ;  But  unto  none  of  them  was  Efiasfeni,  Jave  unto  Sa- 
repta,  a  city  of  Sidon,  unto  a  woman  that  was  a  widow. 
And  many  lepers  were  in  Ifrael  in  the  time  of  Eli  feus  the 
prophet  ;  and  none  of  them  was  clean/ed,  faving  Naaman  the 
Syrian,  And  all  they  in  the  fynagogue,  when  they  heard  theft 
things,  Were  filled  with  wrath,  and  rofe  up,  and  thrift  him  out 
of  the  city,  and  led  him  unto  the  brow  of  the  hill,  whereon 
their  city  was  built,  that  they  might  cajl  him  down  headlong. 
But  he,  pajfing  through  the  midfil  of  them,  went  his  way,  and 
came  down  to  Capernaum,  a  city  of  G alike,  and  taught  them 
on  the  fabbath  days.  And  they  were  aftonifKcd  at  his  doclruv:  : 
For  his  word  was  with  power. 

IT  is  truly  affecting  to  think  on  what  a  fitppcry  foundation 
men  attempt  to  rear  the  fabric  of  happinefs.  They  dream, 
of  deriving  it  from  their  own  (lores.  In  the  pride  of  his  heart. 
a  man  imagines  himfelf  to  be  equal  to  every  thing.  What  can 
elude  his  penetration  ;  what  can  refift  his  force  ;  what  can  fa- 
tigue his  induftry  ?  Neverthelefs,  theftammering  ot  a  child  be- 
betrays  his  purpofe  ;  the  ruffling  of  a  leaf  melts  his  resolution  ; 
a  ftone  cut  out  ol  the  mountain,  and  hurled  at  him  by  3n  in- 
vifible  hand,  crulhes  in  a  moment  all  his  powers  into  the  dull; 
Are  they  more  fecure,  or  more  fuccefsful,  who  depend  on  for- 
eign aid  ;  who  build  their  felicity  on  the  ability,  the  conftaocy, 

u  or 


'■&>  hIstOrY  ofr  [Left,  xiih 

or  the  afteBion  of  others?  Alas,  it  is  an  attempt  to  ere&  a 
houfe  upon  the  land  ;  the  warning  of  the  next  tide  levels  it  to 
the  ground.  Friendship,  in  a  flum  of  zeal,  promifed  you  all 
encouragement  and  Pup  port.  The  hour  of  need  comes,  and 
you  have  recourfe  to  the  heart  which  fondly  cherifhed  you  ; 
it  has  waxed  cold,  it  is  alienated,  it  acknowledges  you  no  long- 
er Your  mountain  Mood  ftrong  in  a  prince's  favor.  What 
fhall  not  "  be  done  to  the  man  whom  the  king  delights  to  hon- 
our ?"  Ah,  his  breath  is  in  his  hoftrils,  he  died  yefterday,  he 
has  returned  to  his  duft.  Applauding  multitudes  hang  upon 
your  lips,  the  public  finger  points  you  out  with  approbation  : 
but**ybu  haveheard"ofthe  fufferings,  as  well  as  of  the  patience 
of  Job.  "  When  I  went  out  to  the  gate  through  the  city,  when 
1  prepared  my  feat  in  the  ftreet,  the  young  men  faw  me  and  hid 
themfelves :  and  theagedarofe  and  ftood  up.  When  the  ear  heard 
ine,thenit  bleffedme;  and  when  the  eye  faw  me,  it  gave  witnefs 
to  me.  Unto  me  men  gave  ear,  and  waited,  and  kept  filence  at 
my  counfel.  They  waited  for  me  as  for  the  rain,  and  they  open- 
fe  heir  mouth  as  for  the  latterrain ;  I  chofe  out  their  way,  and  fat 
chief,  and  dwelt  as  a  king  in  the  army.— But,"  O  fad  reverfe  ! 

.  **  they  that  are  younger  than  I,  have  me  in'derifion.  And 
iiow  I  am  their  fong,  yea  I  am  their  by-word.  They  abhor 
me,  they  flee  far  from  me,  and  fpare  not  to  fpit  in  my  face.— 
Upon  my  right  hand  rife  the  youth,  they  pufh  away  my  feet  : 
they  mar  my  path,  they  let  forward  my  calamity."— And  fuch 
is  every  one  who  ruffcth  in  popular  favour;  he  feedeth  on 
the  wind  andgrafpeth  the  eaff  wind  in  his  ar.ns. 

But  a  more  illuftrious  an^  more  mftrucHve  infrartce,   to   this 
plirpofe,  than  that  of  Job,  is  before  us.      Now  the  eyes  of  the 

_  admiring  multitude  in  the  fynagogue  are  fattened  with  won- 
der and  delight  on  the  face  of  Jefus  ;  anon  they  are  filled  with 
Wrath  againft  him  :  now  all  bear  him  witnefs,  and  dwell  upon 
"  the  gracious  words  which  proceed  out  of  his  mouth  ;"  next 
moment  they  are  up  in  arms,  they  tbruft  him  out  of  the  city, 
they  hurry  him  to  the  brow  of  the  hill,  wkh  an  intention  to 
caff  him  down  headlong.  The  cry  to-day  is,  "  let  us  take  him 
and  make  him  a  king,  never  man.  fpake  like  this  man;"  to- 
morrow it  is,  "  away  with  him,  crucify  him  ;  not  this  man  but 
.Barabbas."  Let  us  trace  the  progrefs  of  the  fcene,  and  ob- 
ierve  what  produced  the  fudden  change,  and  learn  to  ceafe  from 
man,  and  to  draw  confolation  and  fuppoit  from  the  approba- 
bation  of  God,  and  from  theteflimony  of  a  confcience  void  of 
cflence. 

The  pafTage  which  he  had  read  from  the  prophet  was  deeply 
k^refting  and  affecting.    It  held  up  fc  view  a  rnoft  illuflri- 

GUS- 


Le&.  xiii."]  jesus  carkisT.  m 

©us  perfonage,  fupporting  a  dignified  and  important  charafter,. 
and  Angularly  qualified  for  the  exercife  of  it,  employed  in  ren 
dering  the  mod  feafonable  and  the  mod  efTential  fervices  re 
mankind  ;  evangelizing  the  poor,  healing  the  broken-hearted", 
redeeming  the  captive,  enlightening  the  blind,  fetting  the  prif- 
oner  free,  proclaiming  the  Jnhilee  year,  the  era  of  univerfaJ 
joy.  The  value  and  weight  of  the  fubjecf.  were  greatly  en- 
hanced by  the  manner  in  which  he  rehearfed  it.  Into  his  lips 
grace  was  poured  :  what  majefly  fat  enthroned  on  his  brow  \ 
what  mild  glory  beamed  from  his  eyes!  what  dignity  and 
grace  in  his  attitude  as  he  rofe  and  fat  down,  in  receiving  the 
book  and  delivering  it  again  to  the  mi.nifter  !  Behold  every 
eye  is  fixed  upon  him,  every  ear  is  attention,  while  in  ihefe 
few  but  emphatical  words,  he  explains  and  applies  the  predic- 
tion of  the  prophet,  "This  day  is  this  fcripture  Fulfilled  in  your 
ears."  "  I  am  He  to  whom  the  prophet  gives  witnefs  ;  I  am 
come  into  the  world  on  this  benevolent  defign  ;  I,  your  bone 
and  your  flefh,  your  brother,  your  neighbour,  your  fellow- 
citizen,  your  friend."  "  Come  to  me  ail  ye  that  labour  and 
are  heavy  laden,   and  I  will  give  you  reft." 

On  this  admiration  gradually  gives  way  to  a  feeling  lefs  gen- 
tle. Familiarity  lowers  the  object  with  which  it  converfes  : 
felf-Iove  cannot  brook  to  acknowledge  a  fuperior  in  an  equal ; 
envy  feeks  to  indemnify  itfelf  under  the  oppreflion  of  emin- 
ent worth  and  excellence,  by  difcovering  and  fixing  upon  lome 
humiliating,  mortifying  circumftance,  that  reduces  the  hated 
greatnefs  nearer  to  its  own  level.  This  explains  the  change 
which  fo  quickly  appeared  in  our  Saviour's  auditory.  Daz- 
zled, at  firft,  by  both  the  matter  and  manner  of  his  addrefs, 
they  crown  him  with  applaufe.  But  perceiving  thcmfelves 
eclipfed  j'n  the  luflre  of  his  graces  arid  virtues,  finking  as  he 
rofe,  they  flrive  to  tumble  him  from  his  excellency,  as  if  by 
degrading  him,  they  were  themfelves  to  mount.  His  parent- 
age is  his  only  vulnerable  part  ;  that  was  poor,  and  mean,  and 
defpifed,  and  that,  accordingly,  envy  brings  forward  with  af- 
fected f  urprize.  "  Is  not  this  Jofeph's  fori  ?"  And  when  once 
this  baleful,  malignant  palTion  has  taken  poflciTion  of  the 
bread,  every  claim  of  jufticc,  every  plea  of  worth,  ev.*ry  call 
of  gratitude,  every  emotion  of  mercy,  is  drfregarded,  iiifieuy 
trampl  -d  under  foot. 

Ctirift  obfeives  it  with'  pity,  not  win  indignation  ;  for  he 
came  not  only  to  relieve  the  miferable,  but  to  bear  with  and  o- 
rercome  the  froward,  to  convince,  fnbdne  and  melt  the  obfti- 
nate,  to  cure  prejudice,  and  to  inftru6t  indocility.  Their  un- 
civil, invidious  inquirv  excites. in  him   no   rei  rrtfnent  ;  livan 

d* 


i^a  history-  of  [Left,  xiu. 

do  him  no  hurt  ;  but  grieved  at  the  hardnefs  of  their  heart,  and 
at  the  fame  time,  compaffionating  their  weaknefs,  he  at  once 
jeproves  the  one,  and  makes  an  apology  for  the  other.  The 
apology  he  draws  from  the  common,  and  well  known,  princi- 
ples ot  human  nature.  No  prophet  is  accepted  in  his  own 
country.  Among  ftrangers,  a  man  is  efteemed  according  to 
his  talents  and  virtues.  His  anceftry  and  kindred  are  a  matter 
of  no  moment.  It  is  even  a  degree  of  merit  to  have  emerged 
out  of  obfcurity  ;  but  at  home,  among  kindred  and  acquaint- 
ance, eminent  qualities  are  regarded  with  a  jealous  eye.  The 
reputation,  ability  and  wifdom  of  exalted  goodnefs  are  confid- 
ered  by  the  lefs  deferring  as  a  reproach  to  themfelves  :  What 
is  every  day  within  our  reach  we  every  day  neglect.  What 
cofls  us  little  we  lightly  eileem.  Difficulty,  and  danger,  and 
diftance  enhance  the  value  of  every  object  ot  purfuit.  But  the 
very  apology  implies  a  ctnfure  of  human  nature,  as  wicked, 
unjuft  ana  abfurd,  in  undervaluing  worth  merely  becaufe  it  is 
allied  to  us,  and  neglecting  good  for  no  better  reafon  than  that 
it  is  known. 

Our  blefled  Lord,  accordingly,  blends  mild  and  gentle  re- 
proof with  the  excufe  which  he  makes  for  the  unkind  return 
that  his  countrymen  and  kinsfolk  had  made  to  h'u  affectionate 
endeavours  to  ferve  and  to  initru6t  them.  And  this  feems  to 
be  the  force  of  his  reafoning. — "  You  have  heard,  my  dear 
friends,  of  my  going  about  doing  good,  at  Capernaum  and 
eliewhere  ;  and  you  will  naturally  and  with  juftice  fay  to  me, 
in  the  language  ot  the  common  proverb,  Phyfician,  heal  thy- 
felf  :  look  at  home  ;  in  attention  to  objects  more  remote, over- 
look not  luch  as  are  equally  preffing,  and  i i ill  more  nearly  in- 
terefting  ;  let  thy  own  country,  if  not  in  preference,  at  leaft  in 
common  with  ftrangers,  reap  the  benefit  of  thefe  thy  extraor- 
dinary, fnpernatural  powers.  Well,  my  belqved  countrymen, 
here  I  am  for  this  very  purpoie  :  ready  to  Lnftruft  you  in  the 
way  of  falvation,  ready  to  heal  all  your  plagues,  to  perform  all 
the  offices  ofmercy  and  loving  kindnefs  which  the  prophet,  in 
the  parage  which  I  now  read,  predicted  concerning  me  :  but  I 
know  the  meaning  .of  thefe  ungracious  looks,  of  thefe  malig- 
nant whifpers,  of  that  envious  inquiry  into  my  pedigree,  and 
occupation,  and  connexions  in  lite.  You  are  under  the  power 
'  of  prejudice,  you  are  too  well  acquainted  with  me  to  reap  ben- 
efit from  my  miniftrations  :  my  labours  will  be  more  accepta- 
ble where.  I  am  lefs  known. 

11  It  happeneth  to  me  as  it  did  to  the  prophets  oi  old;  they 
were  negle&ed,  hated,  perfecuted  of  their  own  countrymen  ; 
and  you  inherit  the  fpirit  of  your  fathers,  whom  no  calamity 

could 


Left.  XIII.]  JESUS    CHRIST.  fjgQ 

could  fubdue,  no  arguments  convince,  no  goodnefs  charm.  I 
appeal  to  the  hiftory  of  our  own  nation.  The  times  of  Elijah's 
prophecy  were  marked  with  many  fignal  interposition*  ot  Di- 
vine Providence,  particularly  with  a  grievous  Famine,  occa- 
lioned  by  a  drought  of  uncommon  duration,  three  years  and 
fix  months.  It  was  univei  tally  felt,  particularly  by  the  poorer 
and  more  unprotected  part  of  the  community,  the  widow  and 
the  tatherlefs  ;  and  the  extraordinary  powers  ot  the  prophet 
were  equally  well  known  and  acknowledged.  But  what  is  the 
facl  ?  Was  the  prophet  fought  unto  ?  Did  the  general  diftrcf; 
drive  the  fufferers  to  leek  relict  in  the  piety  and  miraculous 
powers  ot  the  man  of  God  ?  No,  lie  was  the  T.JJibite,  the  foil 
of  fomebody  whom  they  knew,  he  wasathome,  among  his  own 
and  therefore  his  perfon  was  defpifed,  his  office  flighted,  and 
even  the  widow  and  the  tatherlefs,  unfubdued  by  the  Hroug  hand 
of  neceflity,  perilhed  Irom  want,  becaufethey  fcorned  the  hu- 
mane and  companionate  interpofition  of  a  neighbour  and  kinf- 
man.  ButQ  how  acceptable  was  hisvifit  to  a  ilranger,  a  pa- 
gan, a  woman  ot  Sidon  ?  She  teh  with  others  the  pre  (lure  of  the 
common  calamity  ;  the  law  ot  felf-prefervatioji,  and  compaf- 
fion  for  the  Ion  of  her  womb,  were  flrong  in  her,  as  in  any 
widow  or  mother  in  Ifrael  ;  but  more  faithful  and  believing 
than  they,  the  cheerfully  made  the  facrifice  ot  her  lalf  earthlv 
provifion  ;  at  the  word  ot  the  prophet,  (he  gave  up  her  own  and 
her  foil's  fubfiftence  ;  (he  repofed  confidence  in  heaven,  ffie  ac-i 
Jcnowledged  the  enfigns  of  Deity,  me  caft  herfelf  upon  a  mira- 
cle, and  her  hope  made  her  not  aihamed." 
"  Take  another  example,  my  friends,  from  your  own  hiftory, 
and  let  it  admoniih  and  reprove  you.  Eliflia  inherited  a  doub- 
le portion  oi  the  fpirit  of  his  matter  Elijah  ;  he  performed  ma- 
ny notable  miracles,  he  divided  the  waters  of  the  river,he  made 
iron  to  iwim,  he  raifed  the  dead  to  life,  he  employed  the  fa- 
pernatural  powers  which  were  conferred  upon  him,  in  remov- 
ing the  miferies  of  his  fellow-creatures.  Among  thefe  the  lep- 
rofy  was  one,  a  difeafe  which  baffles  the  fkilT  ot  the  phyfician, 
which  not  medicine,  but  the  immediate  power  ot  God  alone 
can  cure.  Now,  what  faith  the  record  ?  What  Ifraelitith  le- 
pers applied  to  the  prophet,  ot  the  multitudes  who  we;e  affefcl- 
ed  with  this  loathfome  difteniper  ?  Not  fo  much  as  one.  He 
was  at  home,  among  thofe  ot  his  own  honk-  ;  the  wretched 
patient,  loathfome  to  himfelf,  and  a  burden  oflFenfiva  to  every 
one  about  him,  chutes  rather  to  continue  an  abomination,  than 
to  he  beholden  to  an  acauaintance,  to  an  equal,  to  a  prophet  ot 
h  own  country,  for  the  miracle  of  cleanfing.  Not  fo  the  fon 
pt  th  :!■  :  Naaraai  •  •■,,  the  commander  of  ar- 


134  HISTORY   OT>  [Left.  X11U 

rnies,  the  favourite  of  a  prince,  a  worfhipper  of  ftrange  gods. 
.He  believes  the  report,  he  flies  to  the  phyficiarn  he  follows 
the  prefcription,  he  wafhes  in  Jordan,  and  becomes  clean." 

The  conference  of  his  audience  makes  the  application  of  our 
Saviour's  doctrine  ;  and  What  enfues  ?  What  always  did,  and 
always  will,  when  the  principle  of  confeience  is  awakened,  ei- 
ther humble  and  contrite  fubmiffion  to  the  reproof,  and  anhon- 
eft  endeavour  to  profit  by  it  ;  or  elfe  a  rancorous  animofity  a- 
gainit  the  reprover,  the  confirmation  of  prejudice,  a  wilful  ex- 
clufion  of  light,  or  a  determined  perfeverance  in  what  is  known 
to  be  wrong.  Unhappily  the  frequenters  of  the  fynagopue  at 
Nazareth  were  of  this  laft  defcription.  Their  indignation  falls, 
not  as  it  ought  to  have  done,  on  their  own  mean,  unworthy, 
ungenerous,  unmanly  fpirit,  but  on  their  kind,  affectionate,  gen- 
tle monitor.  And  what  follows  ?  Is  it  the  cynical  reprefentation 
of  fome  furly  traducer  of  mankind  ;  or  is  it  truth  and  hiflory  ?■ 
Merciful  Father  of  mankind  !  muft  I  believe  that  the  very  per- 
sons who  juft  now  gazed  with  delight  on  that  fuper-angelic-- 
iace,  who  liftened  with  rapture  to  the  accents  of  that  celefliaf- 
voice,  who  juftly  gloried  in  their  towtifman,  companion  and 
friend,  are  inftantaneoufly  converted  in'o  demons  of  hell? 
What,  meditate,  digeft  murder  !  the  murder  of  innocence, 
truth  and  wifdo'm  !  What  all  of  them  !  not  one  calm,  moderate 
fpirit  to  fuggefl  milder  counfels,  to  plead  the  caufe  of  goodnefe, 
to  arreft  the  hand  of  violence  !  No,  not  one.  O  human  na- 
ture, what  wert  thou  ;  and  what  art  thou  become  !  I  tremble 
to  think  that  I  am  a  partaker  of  thee  ;  of  a  "  heart  deceitful 
above  all  things  and  defperately  wicked."  "  They  rofe  up, 
and  thiuft  him  out  of  the  city,  and  led  him  unto  the  brow  of 
the  hill,  whereon  their  city  was  built,  that  they  might  call  him 
<iown  headlong,"  And  (hall  not  fire  come  down  from  heaven,v 
as  it  did  once,  and  a  fecond  time,  to  avenge  a  {lighter  infult  of- 
iered  to  a  much  inferior  prophet  ?  O  no  !  "  the  Son  of  man 
came  not  to  deilroy  men's  lives,  but  to  fave  them."  Behold  a 
more  glorious  triumph,  a  miracle  of  grace  and  condefcenfion, 
a  triumph  worthy  of  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  Saviour  of  men. 
•'  He,  pafling  through  the  midfl;  of  them,  went  his  way."  Be- 
hold power  and  mercy  unhed.  Were  they  like  the  men  of 
Sodom,  ftricken  with  blindnefs  ?  Were  their  hands,  like  Jero- 
boam's, dried  up  3nd  rendered  immoveable  ?  Were  their  eyes, 
like  the  difciples  going  to  Emmaus,  holden,  that  they  fhouli 
not  knew  him  ?  I  (lop  not  to  inquire.  Suffice  it  to  fay,  his 
4i  hour  was  rot  yet  come,"  and  they  had  no  power  at  all  over 
him  but  what  was  permitted  of  God.  And  vain  is  the  con- 
tention of  man  again  It  God  :  it  is  hard   for  thee,  O  perfecutor, 

zo  "  kick  againft  the  pricks." 

In 


&,ecl.   xin.]  >ESUS  CHRIST.  135, 

In  the  hiftory  referred  to  by  our  Lord,  and  in  the  inilance  o't 
a  miraculous  fupply  ot  food  to  the  widow  ofSarepta,  in  a  fea- 
fon  ot  extreme  fcarcity,  as  well  as  in  the  other  equally  noted: 
in  (lance  of  a  miiaculous  cure  of  leprofy  performed  on  the  body 
of  Naaman  the  Syrian,  we  perceive  the  dawning  of  the  gofpeT 
day  upon  the  Gentile  world.  They  believed  and  obeyed  the 
word  of  the  prophet,  and  they  obtained  relief,  while  "  the  ifeci 
of  Abraham  after  the  flefh"  remained  unbelieving  and  impeni- 
tent. •'  Of  a  truth,  God  is  no  refpe£fer  of  perlbns  :  but  in 
every  nation,  he  that  feareth  Him,  and  worketh  righteoufnefs^ 
is  accepted  with  him."  "  The  times  of  this  ignorance  God 
winked  at  ;  but  now  commandeth  ail  men  every  where  to  re- 
pent :  becau'e  he  hath  appointed  a  day  in  the  which  he  will 
judge  the  world  in  righteoufnefs  by  that  man  whom  he  hath 
ordained  ;  whereof  he  hath  given  afl'urance  unto  all  men,  in 
that  he  hath  railed  him  from  the  dead."  How  God  will  deal 
in  the  judgment  with  thofe  who  never  enjoyed  the  benefit  of 
either  the  Law  or  the  Gofpel,  it  is  not  for  us  to  determine. 
"  Shall  not  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth  do  right  r1"  But  M  we 
ought  to  give  the  more  earneft  heed  to  the  things  which  we 
have  heard,  left  at  any  time  we  mould  let  them  flip.  For  it  the 
word  fpoken  by  angels  was  ftedfaft,  and  every  tranfgreffion 
and  difobedience  received  a  juft  recompence  of  reward  ;  how- 
mall  we  efcape  if  we  negleti  (o  great  falvation  ;  which,  at  the 
firft  began  to  be  fpoken  by  the  Lord,  and  was  confirmed  unto  us 
by  them  that  heard  him  ;  God  alio  bearing  them  witnefs,  botii 
with  figns  and  wonders,  and  with  divers  miracles  and  gifts  of 
the  Holy  Ghoft,  according  to  his  own  will  ?" 

Among  other  evidences  that  the  Chriilian  difpenfation  is 
from  heaven,  the  univerfality  of  it  is  not  the  leaft.  This  aft 
of  grace  contains  no  unkind  exceptions.  There  is  no  pro- 
fcribed  region,  or  family  or  individual.  The  proclamation  is, 
"  peace,  peace  to  him  that  is  far  off,  and  to  him  that  is  near,, 
faith  the  Lord."  This  dawning  light  was  now  in  a  progrefc 
unto  "  the  perfecl:  day."  Though  Chiift's  perfonal  miniftry 
was,  in  the  firft  in  fiance,  addrefTed  %<  to  the  loft  fheep  ot  the 
houfe  ot  Ifrael."  its  influence  quickly  fpread  far  beyond  the 
confines  of  Judea.  "  His  fame  went  throughout  all  Syria;"" 
a  woman  ot  Canaan  believed  on  him,  and  her  daughter  was 
healed  :  the  Roman  Centurion,  who  had  been  made  partaker 
ot  the  fame  precious  faith,  in  like  manner  had  power  with 
God,  and  prevailed  in  behait  ot  his  palfied  fervant.  Some  o| 
our  Lord's  immediate  attendants  lived  to  fee  "  the  kingdom  of 
God  come  with  power."  *'  The  Centurion,  and  they  that 
were  with  him  watching  Jefus"  on  the  crofs,."  when  they  fav/ 


ig6  HISTORY  O^  []M&«    :   - 

the  earthquake,  and  thofe  things  that  were  done,5''   though 
accuftomed  to  fear,  M  they  teared  greatly,"  and  made  this  opeii 
confeflion,  "  Truly  this  was  the  Son  of  God." 

The  miraculous  effufion  ot  the  Holy  Spirit  on  the  Apoflles^ 
in  the  gift  ot  tongues  on  the  day  of  Pentecoff ,  opened  a  paflage 
in  all  directions  for  the  fpeedy  difrufion  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in 
Jefus,  over  all  lands.  Peter  no  longer  trembles  and  denies  his 
Mailer,  hut  {lands' boldly  up  to  plead  his  caufe,  and  precious 
fouls  by  thoufands  are  added  unto  the  Lord.  Cured  of  his 
Jewifh  prejudices,  by  a  vrfion  from  heaven,  he  defcends  to 
Cefarea,  preaches  the  word  of  life  to  the  Centurion,  Cornelius 
and  "  his  kinfmen  and  near  friends."  It-  is  accompanied  with, 
power,  and  "  with  the  Holy  Ghofl  ferit  down  from  heaven.'* 
That  fame  Apoftle  was  fparcd  to  aadrxfs  epiftles  "  to  the  Gran- 
gers fcattered  throughout  Pontus,  Galatia,  Cappadocia,  Afia, 
and  Rythinia,  elect according  to  the  foreknowledge  of  God 
the  Father,  through  fanctification  of  the  Spirit  unto  obedience, 
and  fprinkling  ot  the  blood  of  Jefus  ChrinV'  Philip,  the 
Evangel  iff,  M  went  down  to  the  city  of  Samaria,  and  preached 
Chi  ill  unto  them.  And  the  people  with  one  accord  gave  heed 
unto  thofe  things  which  Philip  fpake,  hearing  and  feeing  the 
miracles  which  he  did."  That  Evangelift  finds  a  profelyte  in 
the  defert  of  Ga2a,  in  a  perfon  "of  great  authority  under  Can- 
dace,  queen  of  the  Ethiopians,  who  had  the  charge  of  all  her 
treafure."  He,  too,  gladly  receives  the  word,  is  baptized,  and 
goes  on  his  way  rejoicing,  to  carry  into  thofe  dark  regions  the 
light  ot  divine  truth,  and  the  Scripture  is  fulfilled  which  faith, 
"  Ethiopia  (hall  foon  flretch  out  her  hands  unto  God." 

Time  would  fail  in  tracing  the  progrefs,  and  marking  the 
fuccefs,  of  him,  who  is  emphatically  denominated  the  Apoftle 
of  the  Gentiles,  through  the  iflands  of  the  Mediterranean,  over 
the  ftates  of  Greece,  in  Italy,  at  Rome.  John  the  beloved 
difciple,  had  the  pleafure  of  difpatching  particular  letters,  dic- 
tated by  the  Spirit  of  wifdorh  and  revelation,  to  the  feven 
churches  ot  Afia.  He  was  one  of  thofe,  then,  concerning 
whom  Chrift  faid,  in  the  palfage  already  quoted,  "  verily  I 
fay  unto  you,  that  there  be  fome  of  them  thatfland  here,  which 
mall  not  tafte  of  death  till  they  have  feen  the  kingdom  of  God 
come  with  power."  His  life  was  prolonged  to  extreme  old 
age.  He  law  the  kingdom  of  his  divine  Matter  eftablifhed  m 
Europe,  in  Afia,  in  Africa.  The  great  Weftern  World  was 
ftill  unknown  ;  but,  in  the  wifdom  of  God,  it  too  has  emerged 
out  of  the  bofom  of  the  vaft  ocean,  lb  fwell  the  Redeemer's 
empire.  To  embrace  the  whole  globe  is  its  generous  defign, 
■the  period'approaches,  when  "  great  voices  in  heaven"  fhali 

proclaim. 


Lect.   Xlll.]  }ESUS  CHRIST,  137 

procLum,  faying  ;  *'  The  kingdoms  of  this  world  are  become 
the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord,  and  of  his  (Thrift  ;  and  he  mall 
reign  forever  and  ever."  "  Though  Ifrael,"  therefore,  '*  be 
not  gathered,"  Mefliah  "  (hall  be  glorious  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Lord:"  for  he  faith  of  him  ;  '*  it  is  a  light  thing  that  thoit 
{honldeft  be  my  fervant,  to  raife  up  the  tribes  of  Jacob,  and  to 
reftore  the  preferved  of  Ifrael  :  I  will  alfo  give  thee  for  a  light 
to  the  Gentiles,  that  thou  mayeft  be  my  falvation  unto  the  end 
of  the  earth."  And  as  the  ancient  difpenfation  contained  ma- 
ny intimations  of  favour  to  the  Gentile  world,  fo  the  Gofpel 
contains  and  difclofes  a  dawn  of  hope  to  the  Jewifii  nation. 
u  Blindnefs  in  part  is  happened  to  Ifrael,  until  the  fulnefs 
of  the  Gentiles  be  come  in.  And  fo  all  Ifrael  fhall  befaved  ; 
as  it  is  written,  There  fhall  come  out  of  Sion  the  Deliverer, 
and  fhall  turn  away  ungodlinefs  from  Jacob."  w  O  the  depth 
of  the  riches  both  of  the  wifdom  and  knowledge  of  God  !  How 
unfearchable  are  his  judgments,  and  his  wavs  naft  finding 
out !" 

Some  interpreters  of  note  have  remarked  a  coincidence 
between  the  duration  of  the  great  famine  which  afliicled  Ifrael, 
in  the  days  of  Elias,  and  that  of  our  Saviour's  miniftry  from 
his  baptifm  to  his  death,  namely  three  years  and  fix  months. 
As  during  the  former  period,  at  the  word  of  the  prophet,  heav- 
en was  fhut  up,  and  all  elementary  influence  fufpended,  to  the 
inexpreflible  diilrefs  of  the  whole  land  ;  fo  during  the  latter, 
through  the  mediation  of  a  greater  than  Elias,  full  communica- 
tion was  opened.  In  the  one  we  have  difplayed  the  feverity 
of  the  Law,  in  the  other  the  grace  of  the  Gofpel  ;  in  Elias  the 
miniiler  of  wrath  and  condemnation  ;  in  Jefus,  the  minifter  of 
mercy  and  reconciliation  ;  the  one  inflating  a  temporary  curfe, 
the  other  calling  down  an  everlafting  benedi&ion  ;  there  the 
clouds  bound  up,  and  the  dew  retrained  ;  here  a  "  dotlrine 
dropping  as  the  rain,  and  fpeech  diftilling  as  the  dew  ;  as  the 
fmall  rain  upon  the  tender  herb,  and  as  the  fhowers  upon  the 
grafs."  The  prophet  reprefents,  in  beautiful  language,  the 
bleffcdnefs  of  an  open  communication  between  earth  and  heav- 
en :  "  It  fhall  come  to  pafs  in  that  day,  I  will  hear,  faith  the 
Lord,  I  will  hear  the  heavens,  and  they  (hall  hear  the  earth  ; 
and  the  earth  fhall  hear  the  corn,  and  the  wine,  and  the  oil  ; 
and  they  fhall  hear  Jezreel.  And  I  will  fow  her  unto  me  in 
the  earth  ;  and  I  will  have  mercy  upon  her  that  had  not  ob- 
tained mercy  ;  and  I  will  fay  to  them  which  were  not  my  peo- 
ple, Thou  art  my  people;  and  they  fhall  fay,  Thou  art  my 
God."  But  the  contrail  is  dreadful  !  **  She  did  not  know  that 
I  gave  her  com,  and  wine,  and  oil,  and   multiplied  her    filver 

S  and 


rStf  HISTORY    OF*  [LaSh   XZTL 

and  gbld,  which  they  prepared  for  Baal.  Therefore  will  I  re- 
turn, and  take  away  my  corn  in  the  time  thereof,  and  my  wine 
in  the  feafon  thereof,  and  will  recover  my  wool  and  my  flax  p 
and  I  will  deftroy  her  vines  and  her  fig-trees."  The  prayer 
of  faith  is  the  channel  of  this  interesting  communication. 

It  is  humiliating  to  obferve  and  to  refiecl:  on  the  uniform  and 
Unrelenting  malignity  of  the  human  heart.  That  greatnefs, 
power,  wealth  mould  be  envied,  and  the  poffefTor  hated  and^ 
thruft  at,  is  not  fo  much  an  object  of  furprize.  But  that  fim~ 
plicity,  innocence,  kindnefs,  beneficence  fhould  provoke  hof- 
tility,  would  exceed  belief,  were  not  the  proofs  too  numerous. 
^nd  too  ftubborn  to  be  refined.  We  juftly  deteft  the  wicked* 
neft.  injufticeand  ingratitude  of  the  Nazarenes,  in  attemptiug 
to  deftroy  their  unafTuming,  unoffending, to wnfman  :  but  is  the 
angry,  the  lofty  fpiritof  man  now  fubdued  to  the  obedienceand 
love  of  Chrift  ?  Has  not  a  daring  attempt  lately  been  made  by 
a  great  nation,  once  denominated  Chriftian,  to  obliterate  the 
name,  and  overwhelm  the  caufe  of  Chrift  ?  Wherefore  change 
the  ancient  meafurements  of  time?  It  was  in  the  hope  of  f  wallow- 
ing up  the  diftin&ion  of  days,  and  thereby  of  finking  the  obf 
fervance  of  the  Lord's  day  in  the  mafs.  With  the  abolition  of 
the  Sabbath  the  fervice  of  the  fan£luary  is  fwept  away  ;  and 
the  fpirit  of  Chriftianity.  it  was  prefumed,  would  not  long  fur- 
vive  its  forms  and  rites.  Are  there  none  among  ourielves  who 
exprefs  rancorous  animofny  againft  the  worthy"  name  which 
they  fo  unworthily  bear  ?  Is  not  the  Lord's  day- profaned  and 
the  temple  deferted  ;  and,  in  defiance  of  the  law  of  the  land, 
to  fay  nothing  of  the  obligations  of  decenc'^and  religion,  are 
not  efforts  made  by  perfons  high  in  place  and  ftation,  to  dif-' 
credit  and  difufe  the  ordinances  of  the  Gofpel,  and  thereby  to 
bring  the  Gofpel  itfelf  into  difrepwte  ?  We  fay,  however, 
concerning, fuch  men,  in  the  fpirit  and  words  of  the  wife  Ga- 
maliel :  "  Refrain  from  thefe  men  and  let  them  alone:  for  if 
this  counfel;  or  this  work,  be  of  men,  it  will  come  to  nought  : 
btit  if  it  be  of  God,  they  cannot  overthrow  it ;  left  haply  they 
be  found  even  to  fight  againfl  God." 

To  this  fell  fpirit  ir»  man,  what  a  ftriking,  what  an  amiable 
contrail  have  we  in  the  temper  and  conduct  of  our  bleffed 
Lord  !  To  withdraw  himfelf  from  among. thefe  ingrates  is  the 
only  mark  of  di'fpleafure  expreHed  by  him.  He  defifted  from 
teaching  perfons  who  were  determined  not  to  learn  ;  "  He  did 
not  many  mighty  works  there,"  becaufe  they  were  liable  to 
mifapprehenfion,  to  mifreprefentation.  "  He,  palling  through 
the  midft  of  them,  went  his  way."  Thus  men  grieve  the  Holy 
%icit  of  God,  and  he  departs  from  them,    And  thus  the  Al 

poillee 


£ecL  xnl/j  JESTJS  Christ.  U| 

•poftles  of  the  Lord,  Paul  and  Barnabas,  when  "  the  Jews,  fi- 
led with  envy,  fpake  againft  them,  contradicting  and  blas- 
pheming," they  {'aid  ;  "  It  was  necellary  that  the  word  of  Gud 
i'hould  nrit  have  heen  fpoken  to  you  :  but  feeing  ye  put  it  Irona 
you,  and  judge  yourfelves  unworthy  of  evcrlafting  life,  lo,  we 
.turn  to  the  Gentiles."  And  is  it  no  punimment  to  be  forfak - 
en  of  a  friend  ;  a  friend  whom  we  have  grieved  and  offended, 
who  leels  himfelr  conftrained  to  retire,  but  retires  (ilenly, 
{lowly,  reluctantly  ?  Little  do  men  reflect,  what  forrovv,  what 
remorfe  they  aretreafuiingupto  themfelves,  in  flighting,  in  neg- 
kcling  a  day  of  merciful  vifitation.  It  drew  tears  from  tin- 
eyes  of  the  companionate  friend  of  mankind  :  "  And  when  he 
was  come  near  he  beheld  the  city,  and  wept  over  it,  faying,  If 
thou  hadft  known,  even  thou,  at  ieaft  in  this  thy  day,  the  things 
which  belong  unto  thy  peace !  but  now  they  are  hid  from  thine 
eyes."  "  For  if  we  fin  wilfully  after  that  weiiave  received  the 
knowledge  of  the  truth,  there  remameth  no  more  facrifice  for 
fins,  but  a  certain  fearful  looking  for  of  judgment  and  fiery  in- 
dignation, which  fhall  devour  the  adverfaries." 

We  conclude  with  pointing  out  the  Saviour  as  a  pattern  of 
perfeverance  in  well-doing.  Nazareth  is  no  longer  a  thentre  of 
teaching  and  working.  Does  l\e  therefore  fullenly,  refenttully 
ceafe  from  difcharging  the  duties  of  his  high  office  ?  No,  other 
cities  will  gladly  receive  him.  I4,  He  came  down  to  Caperna- 
um, a  city  of  Galilee,  and  taught  them  on  the  fabbath  days." 
And  what  a  courfe  of  active,  unwearied  beneficence  did  the  re- 
mainder of  his  earthly  pilgrimage  exhibit !  through  evil  report 
and  good  report,  through  oppofition  and  difcouragement, 
through  forrow  and  fuiFering,  by  night  and  by  day,  till,  bowing 
his  head,  he  could  fay,  "  It  islanifhed."  "  Arm  yourfelves," 
therefore,  Chriftians,  "with  the  fame  mind:"  "  Let  us  run 
with  patience  the  race  that  is  fet  before  us,  looking  unto  Jefu% 
the  Author  and  Finifher  of  our  Faith  :  — conhder  him  that  erw 
dured  fuch  contradiction  of  finners  againft  kimfelf,  left  ye  be 
wearied  and  taint  in  your  minds."  <;  And  let  us  not  be  weary- 
in  well-doing  ;  for  in  due  feafon  we  (hall  reap,  if  we  faint  not." 
"Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye  fteafaft,  unmoveable, 
always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  forafmuch  as  ye 
know  that  your  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord." 


LECTl 


14^  history  o?  [4-e£l,  xiv* 


h  E  CTIIRE      XIV 


MATTHEW,    XV.   12—22, 

JVW-,  w^4»  jk/aj  had  heard  that  John  was  cajl  into  p<rifon  hz 
departed  into  Galilee  ;  and  leaving  Nazareth,  lie  came  and 
dwelt  ?7i  Capernaum,  which  is  upon  the  fea-coafl,  in  the  bor- 
ders oj  Zabui  on  and  Nephtkalrm  ;  that  it  might  be  fulfilled 
which  was  fpoken  byHfaias,  the  prophet,  faying,  The  land  of 
gabulon,  and  the  land  of  Nephthalim,  by  the  way  of  the  fea, 
beyond  Jordan,  Galilee  of  tlie  Gentiles  ;  the  people  which  fat 
in  daknefs  faw  great  light  •  and  to  them  which  fat  in  the  ire- 
gion  andjliadow  of  death  light  is  fprung  up.  From  that  time 
jefus  began  to  preach,  and  to  /ay,  repent :  for  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  is  at  hand.  And  Jefus,  walking  by  the  fea  ofGali- 
lee,  faro  two  brethren ^  Simon  called  Peter,  and  Andrew  his 
brother,  cajhng a  net  into  thejea  ;  for  they  werefi/hers.  And 
he  faith  unto  them,  Follow  me,  and  I  will  make  you  fijliers  of 
■men.  And  they  jiraightzoay  left  their  nets,  and  followed  him. 
And  going  on  from  thence,  he  faw  other  two  brethren,  James 
the  Jon  of  Zebedee,  and  John  his  brother,  in  a  fihip  <with  Zeb~ 
edee  their  father,  mending  their  nets  ;  and  he  called  unto  them* 
And  they  immediately  left  the  Jkip  and  their  father ,  and  fol- 
lowed him. 

AMONG  the  other  means  of  arriving  at  certainty,  refpeft- 
irfg  **  the  things  wherein  we  have  been  inftrucled,"  i^ 
may  be  of  importance  to  compare  the  prefent  ftate  of  Chris- 
tianity with  its  origin  ;  to  contraft  the  frnajlnefs  oi  its  begin- 
nings with  the  greatnefs  of  its  fuccefs  ;  to  confider  the  real  in* 
fluence  which  a  caufe  fa  unpromifing  has  had  on  human  af- 
fairs, and  the  changes  which  it  actually  has  produced  on  the 
iace  of  the  Globe.  Who  is  its  Author  ?  A  mighty  potentate, 
armed  with  Sovereign  power  and  authority  ?  An  invincible 
conqueror  travelling  in  the  greatnefs  of  his  strength,  at  the  head- 
of  triumphant  legions,  from  vi6tory  to  victory  ?  An  experien- 
ced ftatefman  (killed  in  every  art  of  intrigue,  and  amply  far-, 
milled  with  all  commanding  gold,  to  gain  over  credulous*  or 
to  purchafe  the  Suffrages  of  corruptible  multitudes  I   The  re- 

verfc 


fc.'Kf*J]  jEStJS   CHRiST.  1^1 

veiTe  of  all  this  is  the  fa£L  The  Author  of  our  Faith,  Chrif- 
tians,  as  has  frequently  been  repeated,  was  the  reputed  fon  of  a 
carpenter  ;  be  was  brought  up  in  an  obicure  village  of  a  re- 
gion proverbially  contemptible,  of  a  conquered  country  ;  be 
was  deftituteoi  means,  ol  iriends,  of  worldly  wifdom  ;  he  w».»; 
.a  pen  doner  on  the  bounty  of  others,  and  frequently  without  a 
|  be  to  lay  his  head. 

Vv7i!i  Bfi.y  one  prefume  to  allege  thaf  he  aiTociatcd  with  the 
g-eat  of  tr.i*  world,  that  he  infin-uated  himfclf  into  the  Favour 
counfels  of  the  princes  of  the  earth,  that  he  went  forth 
d  v.- i 1 1 1  their  commifhon, and  advanced  in  their  name  con- 
quering and  to  conquer?  No,  hiftory  contradicts  all  this.  H* 
lived  up  to  the  age  or  thirty  in  the  very  depth  ol  obfeurity  ; 
his  alFocta  fee  sand  coadjutors  were  few  m  number,  men  of  wear* 
parentage  and  parts,  in  the  very  ioweft  ranks  of  Society,  fifh- 
frmen,  the  fons  oi  filhermen.  Did  he  employ,  then,  the  art* 
of  inlinuation,  addrefs  and  flattery  to  captivate  the  vulgar  ? 
Did  he  teach  an  eafy,  palatable,  pliant  morality,  and  attract 
».he  countenance  and  fop  port  of  the  million,  by  gratifying- 
their  paffions,  by  conniving  at  their  vices,  or  by  humouring' 
their  prejudices  ?  No  fuch  thing.  His  life  and  dottrine  were 
^juite  the  reverie.  He  preached  and  exemplified  mortification, 
and  felt-denial,  and  patient  fubmiflion  to  painful  and  unmerited 
fufTering,  and  renunciation  of  the  world.  Undoubtedly  then 
his  followers  could  not  be  numeious,  nor  his  reputation  exten* 
five';  nor  his  power  of  long  duration.  This  too  is  contradict- 
ed by  ir -atter  of  tact.  No  teacher  can  boall  of  fo  many  difci- 
ples  ;  no  name  is  fo  widely  dif>ufed  ;  and  after  a  lapfe  of  eigh- 
teen centuries,  the  field  of  his  triumph  is  extended  and  extend- 
ing, and  his  outftretched  arms  are  expanded  to  embrace  a 
globe. 

How  is  all  this  to  be  accounted  for  ?  Who  fhall  explain  this 
accumulation  of  m>  fiery?  Confult,  on  the  (abject.,  the  learned 
jewifh  dodor  of  laws,  whom  we  formerly  quoted  with  refpeci. 
Mis  realoning  t?pon  it  is  as  found,  and  as  conctufive  now,  as 
it  was  near  two  thotifand  years  ago.  "  If  this  co».mfel  or  thi* 
work  were  of  men,  it  mull  have  come  to  nought  ;  but  becaufe 
it  is  of  God,  it  cannot  be  overthrown."  Chriitiamty  is  the 
.caufe  of  heaven,  and  therefore  it  hath  profpered,  and  iiall  con- 
tinue to  profper. 

Wc  have  hi;herto  beheld  our  hlefled  Lord  frhgle  and  uncon- 
nected ;  gradually  (hewing  ljimfelf  to  the  world  ai  a  Teacher 
ient  trora  God.  In  the  pafTage  which  has  now  beer  read,  we 
find  him  laying  the  foundation  of  his  church,  forming  andmod- 
ciirog  bis  houfeho!d,  beginning  to  provide  a  facceflion  of  pub* 

lie 


*4$  history  of  [Lea.  XIV, 

lie  teachers  of  his  religion,  who  mould  carry  on  to  the  end  of 
*ime,  the  inftru&ion  of  an  ignorant,  the  reformation  of  a  corrupt- 
ed, the  falvation  of  a  perilling  world.  The  career  of  John  Bap- 
till,  his  kinfman  and  forerunner,  was  now  come  to  an  end.  That 
rigid  moralift  and  honeft  reformer  had,  by  fpeaking  truth  and 
acting  faithfully,  incurred  the  difpleafure  of  an  arbitrary  defpot, 
who  call  him  into  prifon,  where  he  foon  after  fell  a  viftim  to 
the  refentment  of  ^n  abandoned  woman.  But  this  John  had 
already  given  a  repeated  and  public  teftimony  to  Jefus  Chrift, 
as  the  Median  promi  fed  to  the  fathers,  and  as  "the  Lamb  of 
God  that  taketh  away  the  fin  of  the  world."  And,  at  his  bap- 
tiim  by  John,. God  had  confirmed  that  teftimony  by  a  voice 
from  heaven. 

As  the  BaptiuVs public  labours  drew  towards  a  conclufion* 
thole  of  J  ejus  Chrift  were  advancing  to  their  commencement ; 
and,  as  we  have  feen,  they  were  firft  employed  for  the  inftruc- 
•tion  and  relief  of  his  kindred  and  townfmen  of  Nazareth,  where 
he  had  been  brought  up.  His  benevolent  fervices  there,  how'- 
ever,  were  molt  ungratefully  requited,  the  minds  of  his  audit- 
ors being  poifoned  with  envy,  and,  as  a  neceflary  confequence, 
their  hearts  heardened  through  unbelief,  reappointed  of  fuc- 
cefs  there,  where  it  might  have  been  fo  reafonably  expected, 
he  gives  not  up,  in  fullen  di  (Fa  tis  faction,  the  work  which  was 
given  him  to  do,  but  leaving  Nazareth,  in  the  manner  related 
in  the  preceding  Lefture,  he  proceeds  to  Capernaum,  a  town 
of  Galilee,  on  the  fea-coaft,  on  the  confines  of  the  inheritance 
of  the  two  tribes  Zabulon  and  Nephthalim,  denominated  "Gal- 
ilee of  the  Gentiles, "  from  its  proximity  to  the  regions  of 
Tyre  and  Sition. 

But  what  ftep  of  our  Saviour's  progrefs  was  unmarked  by 
fhe  finger  of  ancient  prophecy,  and  confequently  direfted  by 
a  fpecial  interposition  of  Divine  Providence  ?  Ifaiah,  who  had 
"fo  clearly  and  fully  defcribed  his  character  and  offices,  in  the 
pafiage  which  he  read  and  applied  to  himfelf,  in  the  fynagogue. 
at  Nazareth,  has  alfo  clearly  and  undecidedly  announced  his 
vifit  to  Capernasim,  and  the  light  and  glory  which  his  preach- 
ing and  mighty  works  mould  difTufe  over  a  region  which  lay 
buried  in  heathenifh  ignorance  and  idolatry.  How  runs  the 
prophecy  ?  "  Neverthelefs,  the  dimnefs  mail  not  be  fuch  asv 
was  in  her  vexation,  when  at  the  fTrft  he  lightly  afflicled  the 
land  of  Zebulun,  and  the  land  of  Naphtali,  and  afterward  did 
more  grievouOy  afflicl  her  by  the  way  of  the  fea,  beyond  Jor- 
dan, in  Galilee  of  the  nations.  The  people  that  walked  in 
■darknefs  have  feen  a  great  light  ;  they  that  dwell  in  the  land 
■of  the  Jhadow  of  death,  upon  them  hath  the  light  Jhined,"  And 

wkat 


tccl.  xiV.J  jEsvs'tuv.i:  \  :$c>- 

what  faith,  the  hiftory  ?  "  Leaving  Nazirefh,  he  came  and 
dwelt  in  Capernaum,  which  is  upon  the  fea-coaft.  in  the  bor- 
ders of  Zahulon  and  Nephthalim:  that  it  might  be  fulfilled 
which  was  Ipoken  by  Elaias  the  prophet,  faying,  The  hnd  of 
Zabulon  and  the  hnd  of  Nephthalim,  by  the  way  of  the  feu, 
beyond  Jordan,  Galilee  of  the  Gentiles  :  the  people  which  fat 
in  darknefs  faw  great  light  ;  and  to  thera  which  fat  in  the  re- 
gion and  fharlow  of  death  light  is  fprung>  up."  In  this  too  is 
rjot  "  the  arm  of  the  Lord  revealed  ?"  Thus  clearly  does  in- 
finite wifdom  forefee  whatfoever  ihall  come  16  pafs  :  thuj 
confidently  doth  unchangeable  unerring  truth  declare  the  end 
from  the  beginning,  and  thus  irrefiftably  doth  the  mighty  pow- 
er of  God'bring  it  to  pafs.  And  tijus  by  a  feries  of  M  immuta- 
ble things,"  that  "  God  >vho- cannot  |ie"  is  affording  "altrong 
confolation"  to  thofe  '•  who  have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold 
upon  the  hope  fet  before  us  " 

Jefus  takes  up  the  fame  theme  which  conftrtuted  the  fubjec> 
of  John's  preaching,  namely  the  doctrine  of  repentance  ;  that 
humbling  doctrine,  which  regards  a  world  lying  in  wickednefs, 
ignorance  andmifery  fo  deplorable,  as  to  be  fitly  reprefented  by 
the  powerful  and  expreffive  imagery  of"  darknefs"  and  '*  the 
region  and  fhadow  of  death."  that  com:)afSonate  doctrine 
which  if  retches  out  a  friendly  band  to  the  guilty  and  the 
wretched  ;  that  reviving  do6trine  which  gently  draws  ther 
trembling  finner  to  the  God  of  mercy,  and  which  forbids  the 
vileft  to  defpair.  And  by  what  argument  is  this  falutary  doc- 
trine recommended  and  enforced,  by  both  the  forerunner,  and 
by  the  greater  who  followed  after  him  ?  "  The  King  o£ 
heaven  is  at  hand  :"  the  reign  ot  grace,  the  dominion  of  love  ; 
a  new  difplay  of  divine  perfection,  even  God  defcending  to 
dwell  with  men  upon  earth,  that  he  might  prepare  men  to 
*'  fit  together  in  heavenly  places  i»  Ghrift  Jefus."  What  a 
rulnefs  of  time  was  now  come  whan  "  the  Prophet  of  the  High- 
eft,"  like  the  fun,  "  rejoicing  as  a  ftrong  man  to  run  a  race," 
began  to  "  go  before  the  face  of  the  Lord  to  prepare  his  ways  ; 
to  give  knowledge  of  falvation  unto  his  people  by  the  remif- 
fion  of  their  fins,  through)the  tender  mercy  of  our  God  ;  where- 
by the  day-fpring  from  on  high  hath  vifited  us,  to  give  light  to 
them  that  fit  in  darknefs,  and  in  the  fhadow  ot  death,  to  guide 
our  feet  in  the-way  of  peace  !"  The  great  Sovereign  in  this 
heavenly  kingdom,  in  a  manner  peculiar  to  himfelf,  announcer, 
his  own  public  entry  on  the  exercife  ot  his  authority  ;  the 
Prince  of  Peace  cries  aloud,  and  proclaims  "  the  acceptable 
year  of  the  Lord  !" 

We  faid,  in  a  manner  peculiar  to  himfelf  :  fcr  it  looks  as  ir: 


Iff  Sl'StORYO?  [Left.   XIVV 

he  were  meaning  to  court  neglecL  to  excite  compafnon,  or  t& 
provoke  contempt,  not  to  engage  attention  or  to  command  rci^ 
peel.  When  we  behold  the  carpenter's  Ton  forming  an  hum* 
b-ie  alliance  with  three  or  four  firap'e,  illiterate,  unconnected 
iimermeri,  the  inhabitants  of  a  little  town  on  the  cbaft  of  the  fea 
of  Galilee,  Who  iff  fo  timid  as  to  take  the  alarm  ?  Who  is  10 
ianguine  as  to  expeet  any  thing-  from  fu'ch  a  confederacy  ? 
Who-  is  fu-ch  a  vifionary  as  to  prognofticaie  from  it  the  down- 
fall or  idolatry,  and  the  revolution  of  empires  ?  But  this  prov- 
ed indeed' the  grand  crifis  in  human  affairs.  It  produced  an- 
univerfal  and  everlafting  change  in  the  flateof  the  world.  lz 
was  the  ellabli  (lament  of  a  kingdom  deftined  to  control,  and, 
at  length  to  1  wallow  up- every  other  ;  nay,  which  was-  to  out> 
laft  the  fun,  and  furvive  the  fyftem  of  nature  ;  which  was  to 
prove  the  foundation  whereon  to  rear  a  new  and  more  glorious 
fabric  of  creation,  to  ferve  as  a  theatre  whereon  todifplay  woii^ 
ders  which  mall  leave  the  pride  of  kings  at  an  infinite  d:  fiance 
behind.  *i  Ail  thefe  things  (hail  be  diiTolved  :  neverthelefs 
we,  according  to  his  promife,  look  for  new  heavens,  and  a 
new  earth,  wherein  dwelleth  righteoufnefs."  On  the  day  that 
Jefus  called  "  Simon  and  Andrew  his  brother,  James  and 
John  his  brother"  from  their  boats  and  fiihing-nets,  imperial 
Rome  fkook,  to  the  foundation  ;  the  Jewifh  hierarchy  expir- 
ed ;  Satan's  empire  fell;  and  on  their  ruins  began  to  arife  "  a 
kingdom  which  cannot  be  moved  ;"  the  predicted  throne  and 
kingdom  of  David's  Lord,  which  the  zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hofb 
was  "  to  order,  and  to  eiiablilh  whh  judgment  and  with  juf- 
tice,even  foiever." 

Thefe  fimple  men  with  fimple  names,  then  obfeure,  unno- 
ticed, unknown,  were  flattening  to  acquire  a  celebrity  which 
fpeedily  eclipfed  the  titles  of  royalty,  and  the  glare  of  imperial 
purple.  "  Peter,  a  fervant  and  an  apoftle  of  Jefus  Chriil;5' 
John,  "  the  difciple  whom  Jefus  loved,"  are  held  in  laiiin^: 
and  grateful  remembrance  by  the  nations  of  the  earth,  while 
*he  memory  of  their  mighty  contemporaries,  a  Tibeiius,  a  Ne« 
ro,  and  a  Domitian,  is  rotting  in  the  dull,  or  preferved  from 
oblivion  by  a  note  of  infamy,  and  a  fentiment  of  detection. 
In  the  former  we  revere  the  benefaclors  of  the  human  race  ; 
from  the  latter  we  turn  away  with  abhorrence,  as  from  fo  ma- 
ny monfters.  The  defpifed  Galileans  became  "  fifhers  cf 
men,"  converted  myriads  to  the  faith  and  hope  of  the  Gofpei, 
and,  to  this  day,  by  their  writing?,  continue  to  minifter  to  the 
edification  and  comfort  of  the  Chrifiian  world  ;  and  now  that 
the  papal  throne  is  finking  after  the  imperial  into  utter  annlhi- 
U\\oni  the  thrcue  of  thole  humble   followers  of  the  Lamb   is, 

like 


Lett.  XIV.]  JESUS  CHRIST.  14* 

like  that  of  their  divine  Matter,  built  upon  a  rock,  againfl  which 
the  gates  of  hell  lhall  never  prevail. 

The  power  of  perfuafion  accompanied  the  call  of  Jefus  : 
"  Walking  by  the  fea  of  Galilee,  he  faw  two  brethren  ;  and  he 
faith  unto  them  Follow  me,  and  I  will  make  you  f:  fliers  of 
men.  And  th- y  ftraightway  left  their  nets  and  followed  him." 
Prefently  alter  he  faw  another  pair  of  brothers,  purfuing  the 
accuftomed  labours  of  their  humble  occupation ;  "  and  he  call- 
ed  them.  And  they  immediately  left  the  fliip,  ind  their  fath- 
er, and  fcllowel  him."  It  will  be  faid  that  they  had  very  little 
to  lofe,  and  therefore  merit  not  the  praife  of  having  made  a  very 
coflly  iacnfice.  No  man  can  make  a  greater  facrifice  than  that  of 
hisall,  whether  it  be  much  or  little.  When  a  perton  deliberately 
refigns  the  means  of  earning  his  bread,  he  calls  him  felt  entirely 
on  Providence.  The  woman  of  Sarepta  who,  at  the  word  of  the 
prophet,  brought  her  laft  morfel  of  bread  to  fatisfy  his  hunger, 
exhibited  a  moft  illuftrious  difplay  of  confidence  in  Cod;  as  did 
Jikewife  that  other  poor  widow,  whom  Jefus  beheld  catling  her 
two  mites  into  the  treafury.an-i  whole  liberality  he  fo  highly  ex- 
tols :  "  he  faid,  Of  a  truth  I  fay  unto  you,  that  this  poor  widow- 
hath  call  in  more  than  they  all.  For  all  thefe  have  of  their  abund- 
ance caft  in  unto  the  offerings  of  God  :  but  (he  of  Her  penury  hath 
call  in  all  the  living  that  (he  had."  It  is  not  the  quantity  giv- 
en, but  the  fpirit  in  which  it  is  bellowed,  that  ftarhps  vah'j  on 
thegift.  Peter  indeed,  on  a  certain  occa'iori,  ferns  to 'nave 
highly  rated  the  fun  erider  which  he  made,  and  to  have  deemed 
himfelf  fully  entitled  to  a  compenfation:  "Then  anfwered 
Peter,  and  faid  unto  him,  Behold,  we  have  forfaken  all,  and 
followed  thee;  what  fhall  we  have  therefore  ?"  Jefus  admits 
the  claim  :  he  undervalues  not  the  facrifice  which  affection  has 
offered  up,  and  points  out  the  glorious  compenfation  which  hd 
was  ready  to  make  :  "  And  Jefus  faid  unto  them,  Venly,  I  fay 
unto  you,  that  ye  which  have  followed  me,  in  the  regeneration, 
when  the  Son  of  man  (hall  fit  in  the  throne  of  his  glory,  y5e 
alfo  fhall  fit  upon  twelve  thrones,  judging  the  twelve  tribes  of 
Ifrael.  And  every  one  that  hath  toriaken  houfes,  or  brethren, 
or  fillers,  or  father,  or  mother,  or  wife,  or  children,  or  lands, 
ior  my  name's  fake,  fhall  receiveian  hundred  fold,  and  mail 
inherit  everlafling  life."  Such  is  Rie  unbounded  generofity  of 
him  who  faith  in  another  place  :  "  Whofoever  fhall  give  to 
drink  unto  one  of  thefe  little  ones  a  cup  of  cold  water  only 
in  the  name  of  a  difciple,  verily  I  lay  unto  you  he  lhali  in  no 
wife  lofe  his  reward."  < 

But  there  rnuit  have  been  an  inconceivable  fomething  in  the 
manner  and  addrefs  of  Tefus  (Thrift,  wffkh  cotild  induce  men 

in 


|4f  HISTORY  OF  [Left,   aftfl 

in  circum'ftances  luch  as  thofe  ot  the  difciples,  to  forego  the" 
very  mean*  of  fubfiftence,  and   to  follow  him   at   all   hazards, 
1  hey  feel  the  attraction  of  true  goodnefs,  but  hare  not   as  yet 
any  apprehenfion  ot  theperfon,  nature  and  million  of  the  Maf- 
ter  whom  they  were  preferring  to  all    worldly  relations,   pof- 
ieflions  and  profpe&s.     But  their  choice  was  fhortly  juftified, 
ss  they  attended  his    lootfteps  through   the  cities  of   Galilee  : 
and  it  is  highly  grateful  to   find  a   firft  favourable   impreflioni 
completely  confirmed,  or  far  exceeded  by  knowledge  andexpe- 
rience.  They  were  to  be  made  witnefFes  for  Chrift  to  all  nations, 
every    oppo;tunity    is   therefore   afforded   them  of  the   molt 
intimate  communication  with  him,  "  all  the  time  that  the  Lord 
Jefus  went  in  and  out  among  them  :"  that  they  might  declare 
to  the  world  "  that  which  was  from  the  beginning,  which  they 
heard,  which  they  faw  with  their  eyes,  which  they  looked  up- 
on, and    which   their  hands  did  handle  of  the  word  of  life.'* 
Through  a  channel,  and  on  the  teftimony  of  witnefles,  fo  little 
liable  to  fufpicion^  M  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jefus"  has  been  tranf* 
mitted  to  us. 

The  mode  of  conveying  to  the  minds  of  rheh  "  the  gofpel  of 
the  kingdom;"  next  arrefts  our  attention.  He  went  teaching 
in  tkcitfynagpgucs.  This  confined,  if  we  may  judge  from  his 
practice  at  Nazareth,  in  rehearfing  aloud,  before  worshipping 
affemblies,  the  Scriptures  of  the  old  Teftament,  either  in  their 
order,  or  pailages  feletfed  for  fpec*aI-occafions,  and  particular- 
ly applied.  And  this  in  every  age  and  flate  of  the  church,  ev- 
er fince  a  revelation  came  down  from  heaven,  was  and  is  the 
ground-work  ot  public  inftru£fion  and  devotion:  even  the 
word  of  the  living  God,  the  ftandard  of  truth,  the  foundation 
of  faith   the  rule  of  life. 

The  feconr?  mode  ot  inflruftion  employed  by  our  Lord,  wa3 
'*  preach  ng  the  gofpel  ot  the  kingdom."  This  feems  to  have 
Deer*  Something  more  than  a  fimple  reading  of  the  Scriptures, 
followed" by  an  equally  fimple  application  of  the  word  read  to 
its  appropriate  objeft,  as  in  the  inftance  which  has  already  been 
Under  review  :  "  This  day  is  this  Scripture  fulfilled  in  your 
ears."  The  word  tranflated  to  preach  is  derived  from  a  noun 
which  fignifies  he* aid,  public  crier,  the  meffenger  of  prince  to 
prince,  of  nation  to  nation.  Thus  the  prophet  Ifaiah  might 
be  faid  to  preach  to  the  men  of  his  day,  when,  by  the  command 
of  God,  he  executed  the  office  of  a  herald  ;  M  Cry  aloud,  fpare 
not  ;  lift  up  thy  voice  like  a  trumpet,  and  ihew  my  people 
tlieir  trarfprefTion,  and  the  houfe  of  Jacob  their  fins."  And 
thus,  in  flriclnefs  of  fpeech,  Chrift  himfelf  might  be  faid  to 
preach,  when  "  in  the  lait  day,  that  great  day  of  the  feaft,  Jefus 

flood 


£e&.  xiv.]  jesus  Christ.  147 

flood  and  cried,  faying,  If  any  man  thirft,  let  him  come  unto 
me  and  drink.  He  that  believeth  on  me  as  the  Scripture  hath 
raid  out  ot  his  belly  (hall  flow  rivers  of  hying  water."  In  a 
greater  latitude,  to  preach  is,  from  a  given  topic,  to  argue,  to 
exhort,  to  reprove,  to  encourage  ;  to  a  flail  the  heart,  in  the 
view  of  producing  conviction,  and  of  regulating  the  lite 
through  every  avenue  of  the  foul,  the  intellect,  the  paflions, 
the  very  fenfes.  Thus  Paul,  on  Mars-hill  at  Athens,  "  preach, 
ed  Jefus  and  the  re  fur  recti  on."  Thus  alfo  at  Troas,  alter 
breaking  of  bread,  '4  he  preached,  and  continued  his  fpeecH 
untd  midnight."  And  as  Chrift  himfelf  thus  preached,  4"  he 
fent  out  his  twelve  diiciplesto  preach,  faying  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  is  at  hand,;"  and  with  this  folemn  chaige  he  lett  them, 
when  he  aicended  into  heaven  :  "Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach 
all  nation >,  baptifing  them  in  the  name  of  'he  Father,  and  of 
the  Son  and  of  the  Holy  Ghofl  :  teaching  them  to  obferv  -  all 
things  whatfoever  I  have  commanded  you  :  and,  lo,  i  am  with 
you  always,  even  unto  the  end  ot  the  world.  Amen."  And 
thus  unnl  now,  through  the  operation  of  his  migl'-ty  power, 
**  the  toolifhnels  of  preaching,"  the  preaching  ot  "  Chriil  cru- 
cified" isl  **  to  them  .that  are  called,  Chrift  the  power  ot  God, 
and  the  wifdom  of  God."' 

Teaching  and  preaching  were  accompanied  and  fupported 
by  the  difplay  of  miraculous  powers,  all  employed  in  doing 
good.  "  He  healed  all  manner  of  ficknefs>  and  all  manner  of 
difeafe,  among  the  people."  This  general  defcription  of  human 
wretchednefs,to  which  the  promifed  Median  was  to  apply  a  reme- 
dy, is  followed  by  aiad  enumeration  ot  the  feveral  particulars 
which  compofe  this  deprefling  aggregate;  fomeofthem  were  more 
common,  and  in  many  cafes  removable  by  human  (kill  and  theufe 
of  ordinary  means ;  fome  were  more  obftmateandhopelefs.asthe 
palfy,  lunacy,  which  in  general  bid  defiancetothe  healing  art, and 
terminate  at  length,  the  one  in  the  diflblution  of  the  body,  the 
other  in  a  total  derangement  of  the  mental  powers.  This  cat- 
alogue is  clofed  by  an  extraordinary  malady.,  feemingly  pe- 
culiar to  that  period  and  (pot  of  the  world,  diabolical  poflef- 
(ion.  Attempts  have  been  m^rie  to  explain  away  this  terrible 
arfliclion  into  a  (pecies  of  madnefs  or  epilepfy.  to  which  the  hu- 
man frame  has  in  all  ages  been  deplorably  fubjecled,  but  which 
can  with  no  propriety  be  afcribed  to  the  operation  of  malig- 
nant fpirits.  The  inftances  however,  both  ot  the  exiltence  of 
the  difeafe.  and  of  the  cure,  are  too  numerous,  and  too  fpecific,. 
♦{>  be  confounded  with  mental  diforder  or  bodily  infirmity  ; 
and  every  attempt  of  the  kind  ought  to  be  refilled,  as  a  blow 
d  at  all  hiftorical  evidence,  as  an  infidious  defign  to   limit 

the: 


u8  HISTORY   OP  [Left.    XIV* 

the  agency  oi  fpiritua!  beings,  and  to  meafure  all  exifting  pow~ 
ers  by  thofe  of  man,  "The  influence  or "  the  fpirit  that  now> 
worketh  in  the  children  of  difobedience"  has  no  need  to  be  de- 
rooiiftrateoL  And  wherefore  ihould  it  be  thought  a  thing  in- 
credible that,  for  a  feafon,  and  for  purpofes  by  us  infcrutable, 
this  evil  fpirit  might  be  permitted  to  harrafs  and  convulfe  the 
bodies  of  men,  that  the  fuperior  power  of  the  Son  of  Go& 
might  be  maniielted  in  recovering,  both  in  body  and  in  fpirit, 
V  out  of  the  fnare  of  the  devil,  ihem  who  are  taken  captive  by 
him  at  his  will  ?' 

The  whole  taken  together,  the  teachings  the  preaching  and 
the  miraculous  cures  performed  by  Chrift,  in  their  combined 
effect,  amount  to  this  :  There  is  not  an  evil  which  man  is  lia- 
ble to,  in  his  body,  his  mind,  his  eftate,  of  yefterday  or  of  ma- 
ny years  ffanding,  but  what  mull  yield  to  the  wifdom,  the  pow- 
er, the  grace  of  Chrift,  It  was  theunion  of  thofe  feveralmeth- 
eds  of  conducting  his  divine  million  that  gave  weight  to  each 
leparafely,  and  to  the  combined. whole.  Miracles  without  in- 
ftruclion  might  have  amnfed,  might  have  excited  admiration 
and  allonilhrheni.  But  we  know  how  very  tranfient  and  inef- 
cient  impreffions  of  this  fort  are.  The  wonder  ceafes,  it  is 
driven  out  by  a  new  prodigy,  and  this,  in  its  turn,  gives  place 
to  a  third,  and  fo  on  in  fuccedion,  till  extraoidinary  become 
mere  common  things,  and  no  falutary  eflFecl:  is  produced.  But 
when  the  perfon  who  has  been  trying  to  inftruel  me,  and  whole 
JefTons  I  found  wearifome,  and  treated  with  negleft,  takes  a 
kindly  intereft  in  me  and  my  concerns,  makes  my  health  and 
comfort  his  own  ;  when  he  interppfes  feafonably,  condefcend- 
ingly,  in  behalf  of  myfelf,  my  child,  my  friend,  my  neigh- 
bour ;  and  not  only  feafonably,  but  powerfully,  effeclually,  in 
a  way  that  far  tranfeends  the  ufual  courfe  of  things  ;  when  I 
behold  my  teacher  and  my  benelaftor  to  be  one  and  the  fame, 
the  fame  man  who  vouch  iafed  to  point  out  truth  and 
tell  me  my  duty,  giving  fight  to  a  man  that  was  born  blind, and 
railing  the  dead  to  life,  then  the  leffon  comes  with  force  to  the 
heart  and  confeience.  Nicodemus,  the  Jewifh  ruler,  felt  and 
acknowledged  the  irrefiflible  power  of  this  combination.  He 
laid  to  Jefus,  "  Rabbi,  we  know  that  thou  art  a  teacher  come 
from  God:  lor  no  man  can  do  thefe  miracles  that  thou  doeft, 
except  God  be  with  him."  Thus  the  Simplicity  of  doclrine  is 
dignified  and  impreffed  by  the  luftre  oi  miracle,  and  the 
effecl  of  miracle^  on  the  other  hand,  acquires  permanency 
from  the  liability,  importance  and  ufeiulneis  of  the  doclrine. 

The  preaching  of  the   Gofpel  is  no  longer   fupported   and 
confirmed  by   miracles*    Granted.    It  is  no  longer  neceffa- 

ry 


£,e# . - X If.  J  JESUS    CHRIST.  I49 

'  a  it  mould.     While  fupernatural,   external   aid    was  ne- 
.y,  fuch  aid  was  communicated.     In  Jeius  Chrifr,  and  in 
:;e  did,  taught  ai  -  d,  the  Scriptures  were  fulfilled. 

He  authenticated  his  commiflion  by  the  feal  of  miracles.  Un- 
der that  feal  he  executed  it ;  and  that  feal  he  tranfmitted  to  his 
fciples.  Under  it  they  afted,  and  the  world  was 
chnilianized.  Miracles  have  effected  all  that  they  were  in- 
tended to  effeel,  and  the  Gofpel  now  refls  on  its  own  immove- 
able balis.  What  need  of  the  formality  ol  a  feal  to  a  writing 
which  bears  the  imprefs  of  Deity  on  every  line,  on  every  let- 
ter ?  You  call  for  miraculous  proof  of  its  divine  original. 
i  hat  very  call,  in  the  nineteenth  century  from  its  firfl  eftab- 
'iihrnent,  is  the  proof.  Had  it  not  been  the  caufe  of  God  and 
truth,  it  mull  long  ere  now  have  ceafed  to  be  a  lubjeci  of  dif- 
cuffion.  When  the  oppofition  of  avowed  enemies,  and  the 
treachery  of  pretended  friends,  are  taken  into  the  account,  that 
Chriftianity  mould  at  all  exift,  is  the  greateft  wonder  ihat  ever 
was  prefented  to  the  world.  You  call  for  proof  ;  it  is  at  hand. 
What  politic j1,  philosophical,  moral  fyftem  ever  lalled  fo  long, 
or  could  boafl  fo  many  profelytes  ?  What  fyftem  is  fo  favour- 
able to  fcience,  to  intellectual,  civil,  moral  improvement  ?  In- 
troduce the  fpirit  of  Chrifr,  and  defpotifm  and  flavery  expire 
together  ;  man  is  fettled  on  a  bafis  of  equality  which  diflurbs 
not  the  order  of  fociety,  and  a  profpeH  is  opened  of  a  flate  of 
being  in  which  all  the  diforders  now  prevalent  fhall  be  com- 
pletely rectified.  You  call  for  proof ;  it  is  at  hand.  Go  to 
hamlets  and  huts  *,  look  to  empty  fcrips  and  exhaufled  penury, 
to  the  field  of  painful,  unproductive  toil,  and  to  the  bed  of  lan- 
guishing ;  fee  Rachel  weeping  for  her  children,  becaufe  they 
are  not,  and  David  mourning  over  living,  ungracious  children. 
The  fufFerers  repine  not,  they  charge  not  God  foolilhly  ;  they 
commit  themfelves  to  him  who  clotheth  the  lily  and  feedeth 
the  raven  ;  labour  makes  reft  fweet,  and  hope  puts  a  pillow  un- 
der the  drooping  head  ;  the  heart  is  poured  out  before  God, 
and  the  countenance  is  no  more  fa-i.  Is  this  no  miracle  ?  In 
what  fchool  of  the  philofophers  are  fuch  Jettons  taught  ?  And 
let  it  be  obferved  that  thefe,  and  fuch  as  thefc,  are  not  the  glar- 
ing, fplendid  triumphs  of  Chriftianity,  but  its  daily,  noifeiefs, 
unobtruding,  unofrentatious  operation. 

V  Except  ye  fee  figns  and  wonders,  ye  will  not  believe."  Is 
miraculous  proof  of  the  divinity  of  the  Gofnelftili  demanded  ? 
It  is  at  hand.  By  what  inftruincmsdoes  the  great  Jehovah  ftill 
fupport  and  extend  the  Mediator's  kingdom  ?  By  men  them- 
felves feeble,  ignorant,  forlorn  like  thofe  to  whom  th^y  minif- 
ter  :  men  Handing  in  r.esd  of  the  Jell-fame  inikiiLlion,  confo- 

lation 


%$*  K1ST0KY    OS,  fLecl.  X i<C. 

Jation  anil  fupport  which  they  are. called  to  adminifter  to  oth-' 
-ers  :  men,  in  general,  as  little  qualified  by  natural endowm 
or  by  the  acquifiuons  ot  literature,  to  fubvert  the  kingdo 
Satan,  and  to  build  up  that  of  Median,  as  thefiihermen  a 
ilee  were  to  fhakethe  throne  of  -the  Cefars.  and  to   reft©re 
ot  David  which  was  fallen  down.     Ii  is  in  every  age  the  fame, 
"  Where  is  the  wife  ?  wh  re  is  the  fcribe  ?  where    is  the    dif-. 
puter  of  this  world  ?■  Hath  r>ot  God  madefooljflHne  vi'domot 
this  world  ?  For  after  that,  inthe  wifdom«>f  God,  the  world  by 
wifdom  knew  not  God     it  pleafed  God   by    the   fooliflin 
preaching  to  favcthem  that  believe."-     *  -Who  then  isPaul, 
who  is  Apollos,  but  minifter&by  whom  ye  believed,  even  as  the 
Lord  gave  to  every  man  ?  1  have  planted    Apollos  watered,  but 
Ood  gave  the  increafe.     So  then,  neither  is  he  that  planteth  any 
thing,  neither  he  that  watereth  ;  but    God  that  giveth  the  in- 
crease," "We  have  this  treafure  in  earthen  vedels,  that  the  ex- 
cellency of  the  power  may   be  of  God:  and  not  of  u>." 

Still  call  for  proof  \  What  kind  and  degree  of  proof  will  fat-. 
isfy  or  filence  Infidelity  ?  Shall  the  fun  ft  and  frill  and  the  moon 
be  ftayed  ?  Are  not  the  conftant  andwniform  motions  and  ap- 
pearances of  thofe  great  luminaries  an  equal,  or  a  fuperior 
demon ftration  ot  fovereign  power  and  wifdom  ?  Shall  the  mod- 
ow  upon  the  fun  dial  of  Ahaz  be  accelerated  or  regarded  ten 
degrees  What  can  it  prove  more  than  is  done  by  a  fteady 
and  regular  progreflion  ?  Thoufands  are  fed  miraculoufty,  at 
once,  by  a  tew  loaves  and  fiihes.  Is  the  miracle  lefs  which  day 
by  day  feeds  the  innumerable  tribes  of  the  human  race,  by  a 
procefs  of  vegetation,  and  of  animal  increafe  ?  The  producing 
hand  is  the  fame  in  both  cafes,  the  manner  of  production  makes 
all  the  difference.  Should  one  rife  from  the  dead,  will  ye  be- 
lieve and  repent  ?  One  has  arifen  from  the  dead  :  but  infideli- 
ty (till  holds  out.  And  we  mult  leave  it  to  its  confequences  : 
"  It  they  hear  not  Mofes  and  the  Prophets,  neither  will  they 
be  perfuaded  though  one  rofe  from  the  dead.'* 

As  the  evidence,  fo  the  doftrine  of  Christianity  is  the  fame 
that  it  was  from  the  beginning.  Whether  to  the  Jew  or  to 
the  Greek  ;  the  preaching  of  John  or  of  Chrift  himfelf,  ot  the. 
primitive  difciples,  or  ot  the  miniftersof  to-day,  it  is  a  "  tefti- 
fying  of  repentance  toward  God,  and  ot  faith  toward  our  Lord 
Jefus  Chrift."  From  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  the  world, 
the  call  is,  "  Turn  ye,  turn  ye,  Why  will  ye  die  ?"  "  Bring. 
forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance."  The  command  and  the 
promife  are  blended  together  :  "  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jefus 
Chrift,  and  thou  malt  be  faved,"  and  they  are  addreffed  equal- 
ly to  the  jailor  at  Philippi,  and  to  the  multitudes  at  Jerufalem  : 

*'  Repent 


hiB\  xi v. )  j b36 a  c h ft S s H  *$* 

"  Repent  and  be  baptifed  every  one  of  yon  m  the*  nairie  of  Je~ 
fus  Chrifl  for  the  remiflion  ot  fins,  and  ye  (hall  receive  the  gift 
ot  the  Holy  Gh  »ft."  The  univerfality  or  guilt  demands  uni~ 
verfality  of  contrition  and  rerorniatioh  ;  and  there  is  but  one- 
"  blood"  that  "  cleanfe  h  from  all  fin  ;"  "  neither  is  there 
falvation  in  any  other  ;  for  there  is  none  other  name  tinder 
heaven  given  among  men  v\ hereby  we  mufl  be  faved." 

What,  other  teacher,  what  o  her  leg:Hafcr  did  not  find  him- 
felf  under  the  neceflity  of  fufpending,  of  relaxing,  of  mitigat- 
ing the  feverity  ot  the  law  ;  or  accommodating  himfelt  to- 
times,  tempers,  and  * .  ircumftances  ?  Even  Mofes  himfeif  was 
obliged  to  temporize,  and  to  connive  at  the  breach  of  the  bw, 
in  favour  of  the  hardnefs  i  f  the  people's  hearts.  But  the  great 
Ghriftian  Legislator  has  but  one  unvarying,  inflexible  code,  for 
the  prince  and  the  peafant,  for  the  noble  and  the  ignoble,  for 
the  Have  and  his  mailer.  It  alone  fuits  all  nations,  all  fcafons, 
all  fituations.  Among  the  other  marks  of  Deity  this  is  riot  the 
fcaff.  Chriitianity  is  a  religion,  not  for  this  diflricl  or  for  that, 
but  for  the  globe  ;  not  for  the  Jew  or  the  Greek,  but  for  man- 
kind, and  thus  approves  ilfeJf  to  be  of  him  who  '*  hath  made  of 
one  blood  all  nations  ot  men,  for  to  dwell  on  all  the  face  of  the 
earth."  Nay  more,  Christianity  is  a  religion  tor  both  earth. 
and  heaven,  for  time  and  for  eternity.  Its  fpirit  is  the  fpiriiof 
love,  and  perfe6l  love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  Law  and  the  per- 
fe6Honot  felicity.  "  Now  abideth  tairh.  hope,  charity,  thefe 
three:  but  the  greateft  of  thefe  is  charity."  Wherefore?  Faith 
and  hope  are  adapted  :o  a  ftate  ol  trial  and  fuffering  ;  they  im- 
ply dou!n,  difficulty,  imperfection  :  "but  wl.en  that  which  is 
perfect  is  come,  then  that  which  is  in  par1  mall  he  done  away." 
But  alter  the  exercife  of  faith  and  hope  has  ceafed,  charity  is 
arrived  at  its  maturity  ;  a  maturity  that  knows  no  decay.  Thu3 
are  M  the  fpirks  ot  jo  ft  men  made  perfect." 

Once  m  Te  we  afk  I-s  the  hiflory  which  we  have  been  re- 
viewing the  hiflory  of  ameieman  ?  Is  there  nothing  fuperior, 
nothing  divine  in  this  mode  of  teaching  and  acting  r  What 
mortal  could  have  engaged  in  fuch  an  enterprise,  with  furh 
fupport  and  have  prdpercd  ?  What  human  power  and  (kill- 
reach  to  the  paralytic,  ihe  lunatic,  the  leper  ?  What  arm  ot' 
flefh  can  control  **  the  prince  of  the  nower  ot  the  air  ?"  What 
eloquence  ot  man  can  perfuade  the  rich,  or  the  poor,  to  give 
up  every  thing  ?  What  tongue  can  fay,  uith  efTeit,  to  the  wind 
and  to  the  fea,  "  >'eace,  be  11  ill  ?"  It  thefe  are  not  proofs  of  a 
prefent  Deity,  What  proof  can  be  demanded,  What  proof  can 
fee  given  ?  Our  knees  bow,  our  tongues  confefs  M  that  je(us 
Chi  ill  is  Lord  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father,"    Amen. 

LECTURE. 


ipl  i-::  story   i  EL  xv. 

LECTURE      XV. 

luKe,  x.  17—220 


3EFORE  THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  LORD 

SUPPER. 


And  the  feventy  returned  again  zoith  joy,  faying,  Lord  even  the 
devrs  are  fu'bjeci  unto  us  through  thy  name.  And  he  [aid 
unto  them,  I  beheld  Satan  as  lightning  fait 'from  Heaven.  Be~ 
hold,  I  give  unto  you  power  to  tread  on  firpents  and  jcorpi- 
ens,  and  over  all  the  power  of  the  enemy  ;  and  nothing  JJiall 
b\  any  means  hurt  you.  Notzoithftand;ng,  in  this  rejoice  not 
that  the  [pints'  are  [ubjecl  unto  you  ;  but  rather  rejoice,  be~ 
Caufe  your  names  are  written  in  heaven.  In  that  hour  Jfe/us . 
rejoiced  in  [pint,  and  [aid,  1  thank  thee,  0  Father,  Lord  of 
•  Meaven  and  earth,  that  thou  haft  hid  thefe  things  from  the 
wife  and  prudent,  and  haft  revealed  them  unto  babes  :  evenfo, 
father  ;  for  fo  it  feemed good  in  thy  fight.  All  things  arc 
delivered  to  me  of  my  father  :  and  no  man  knoweth  who  the 
Son  is,  but  the  Father  ;  and  who  the  Father  is,  but  the  Son,,, 
and  he  to  whom  the  Son  will  reveal  him. 

WISE  and  good  men  have  attempted' to  prefent  an  artificial 
arrangement  of  the  feyeral  events  recorded  in  the  hifto- 
ry  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jefus  Chrifc,  or  what  they  call  a 
Harmony  of  the  Gofpels.  It  is  both  a  pleafing  and  an  ufeful 
amufementto  afcertain  the  dates  and  to  fettle 'the  order  of  e- 
vents  ;  and  labours  of  this  kind  merit  high  commendation. 
But  the  native  majefty  and  (implicity  of  Scripture  ftand  in  no 
need  ot  artificial  arrangement.  The  whole  fpiritual  building 
isaugufl  and  venerable,  and  each  particular  part  has  its  pecul- 
iar beauty  and  excellency.  To  be  affured  that  fuch  things 
were  done,  is  of  infinitely  higher  importance  than  to  determine 
the  exa£i  feries  ot  fucceflion.  Every  line  ot  the  hiflory  oi 
(Thrift  is  a  radiant  difplay  of  divine  perfection  ;  every  ftep  he 
taker,  leaves  an  imprefs  of  benignity  behind  it.  It  was  predict- 
ed concerning  him,  that  he  fhould  be  "  a  man  of  forrows  and 
acquainted  with  grief."    But  it  was  likewife  predicted,  that  he 

mould 


Left.  X V.J  JESUS   CHRIST. 


*53 


mould  "  fee  of  the  travail  of  Lis  foul  and  be  fatisfied."  The  words 
which  have  been  read  contain  theaccomplifhment  of  this  Ltd 
prophecy.  In  all  our  affliction  he  was  afflicted;  let  us  weep 
with  him  :  and  when  he  "  rejoices  in  fpirit,"  let  us  alfo  "  re- 
joice with  joy  unfpeakable  and  full  ot  glory  ;  receiving  the 
end  of  our  faith,  even  the  fal  vaiion  of  our  fouls." 

The  followers  of  Chriff  had  now  increafed  to  a  great  multi- 
tude, And  need  we  wonder,  if  fuch  doftrine,  fu  ported  by 
fuch  purity  and  dignity  of  character,  and  by  fuch  mighty 
works,  had  the  power  ot  attracting  attention  and  refpeijt  where- 
ver he  w<-nt  ?  "  There  followed  him  great  multitudes  of  peo- 
ple from  Galilee,  and  from  Decapolis,  and  from  jerufalem, 
and  from  Judea,  and  from  beyond  Jordan."  Out  of  thofe 
multitudes  he  felected  firfl  twelve,  with  the  peculiar  defigna- 
nation  of  difciples  and  apoltles,  to  whom  he  imparted  a  por- 
tion of  his  fpirit  and  power  :  "  He  gave  them  Authority  over 
all  devils,  and  to  cure  difeafe^,  to  preach  the  kingdom  ot  God, 
and  to  heal  thefick."  Afterwards  "  he  appointed  other  Sev- 
enty, and  lent  them  two  and  two  before  his  tace  into  every 
city  and  place  whither  he  himielf  would  come."  It  was  on 
occafion  of  the  return  of  thofe  feventy,  after  having  fulfilled 
their  mi  (lion,  and  upon  the  report  which  they  made  of  their 
fuccefs,  that  Jefus  broke  out  into  this  holy  rapture  :  "  In  that 
hour  Jefus  rejoiced  in  fpirit,  and  laid,  I  thank  thee,  O  Father, 
Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  thou  haft  hid  thefe  things  from 
the  wife  and  prudent,  and  half  revealed  them  unto  babes  :  e~ 
ven  fo,  Father  ;  for  fo  it  feemed  good  in  thy  fight."  Let  us 
trace  the  procefs. 

The  Evangelift  records,  at  lull  length,  the  commiflion  granted 
to  thofe  feventy,  but  gives  us  no  particulars  refpecting  their 
progrefs.  Thefe  muft  be  collected  from  the  account  which  they 
themfelves  give  of  it.  The  Seventy  returned  again  with  joy.  Eve- 
ry thinking  man  enters  on  a  difficult  or  a  hazardous  entcrprife 
with  very  mixed  emotions,  lie  tcels  the  confequence  attach- 
ed to  an  arduous  and  important  flation  ;  he  feels  the  preffure 
of  refponfibility,  and  the  foliciiude  of  general  expectation 
pointed  towards  him.  The  animating  ftimulus  ot  hope  is  re- 
prefTed  by  the  dread  of  mifcarriage.  It  is  a  terrible  thing  to 
return  foiled,  difappointed,  difcomfhed.  The  eve  of  a  battle 
is  a  feafon  of  folicitude.  But  when  the  conflict  is  over,  when 
fuccefs  is  no  longer  doubtful,  the  foul  enters  into  a  ftate  of 
perfect  compofure.  Mournful  is  the  reflection,  "  I  have  la- 
boured in  vain,  I  have  fpent  my  llrength  for  nouqht,  and  in 
vain  ;"  but  how  complete  is  the  triumph  of  an  apoflle  review- 
ing a  fuccefstul  miniitry,  and  looking  forward  to  the  glorious 
'.'  •  jnfe 


*$4  HISTORY    OF  [LetL   X70 

recompenfe  or  reward.  "  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have 
iinifhed  my  courfe,  I  have  kept  the  faith.  Henceforth  there  is 
laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of  righteoufnefs,  which  the  Lord  the 
righteous  judge  (hall  give  me  in  that  day."  Such  was  the  tri- 
umph of  the  Seventy,  having  fin  if  bed  their  circuit  of  the  cities 
or  Gaiilee. 

They  exprefs  peculiar  fatisfaclion  in  reporting  to  their  di- 
vine Mailer,  that  M  even  the  devils  were  fubjeft  to  them; 
through  his  name."  Ii  was  matter  or  great  joy  to  them,  that 
their  preaching  had  been  acceptable  and  ufeful  ;  that  they  had 
beenthe  honoured  iriftrtfmems  in  his  hand,  to"  heal  aH  manner 
of  ficknefs,  and  ali  manner  of  difeafe  ;"  to  predifpofethe  minds 
ol  men  to  receive  the  kingdom  of  God,  by  healing  their  bod- 
ies :  but  to  prevail  againil  the  great  adverfary  who  had  fo  long 
tyrannized  over  the  nations,  leading  them  "captive  at  his  will," 
this  filled  up  the  meafure  of  their  joy.  At  the  fame  time,  they 
model] ly  difclaitri  all  perfonal'merit.  They  humbly  akribe  the 
glory  of  all  this  wonderful  fuccefs  to  the  potent  name  of  their 
almighty  Lord.  Jfefus  himfelf  exercifes  underived  power  over 
univerfal  nature/'  "  What  a  word  is  this  !"  exclaimed  the  af- 
tonifhed  multitudes.  "  for  with  authority  and  power  he  com- 
mandeth  the  unclean  fpirits,  and  they  come  out  :"  but  the  dif- 
ciples  have  power,  and  prevail  only  through  virtue  communi- 
cated to  them.  "  Without  me,"  fays  he,  "  ye  can  do  noth- 
ing :"  and  then  is  the  believer  moil  iirong  when  he  refls  on 
imparted  firength.  Now  thofe  difciples  were  fpeedily  to  be 
fcatterecl  abroad  upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  carrying  with  them 
the  do&rine  and  the  name,  that  is  the  wonderworking  power  of 
their  Mailer.  Wherever;  therefore,  virtue  accompanied  that 
name,  there  was  Chrift  himfelf  prefent  ;  and  of  whom  but  of 
Deity  can  it  be  affirmed  that  he  is  in  more  than  one  place*  in  ma- 
ny places,  in  all  fpace  at  once  ?  God  challenges  omniprefence 
as  his  own:  "  Am  I  a  God  at  hand,  faith  the  Lord,  and  not  a 
God  afar  ofF  ?  Can  any  hide  himfelf  in  fecret  places  that  I  fliall 
not  fee  him?  faith  the  Lord  :  do  not  I  fill  heaven  and  earth? 
faith  the  Lord."  "  Though  they  dig  into  hell,  thence  fhaH 
mine  hand  take  them  ;  though  they  climb  up  toheaven,  thence 
will  I  bring  them  down  :  and  though  they  hide  themfelves  in 
the  top  of  Cannei,  I  will  fearch  and  take  them  out  thence  ; 
and  though  they  be  hid  from  my  fight  in  the  bottom  of  the  fea, 
thence  will  I  command  theferpent,  and  he  mall  bite  them." 
The  great  Author  and  Finiiher  of  our  faith  aflerts  to  himfelf 
the  fame  divine  attribute,  and  connects  with  it  perpetuity  of 
duration,  in  the  charge  which  he  gave  to  his  difciples  before 
lie  afcended  up  into  heaven  :.  "  Go  ye  and  teach  all  nations ;" 
*  there. 


Lt£t.    XV.  j  JESUS    CHRIST.  \$fr 

there  is  a  claim  of  univerfal  power  and  prefencc  ;  a.iu\  he  adds 
the  grjcious  a  flu  ranee :  M  and  lo,  lam  with  you  alway,  even 
unto  the  end  of  the  world."  Here  are  omniprefence  and  end- 
jefs  unchanging  exiftenee  united.  When  the  viper  dropped 
harmlessly  from  the  apoflle's  hand,  in  the  ifland  of  Melita, 
there  was  the  name,  the  prelence  and  the  power  of  Chrift.  When 
Philip,  in  the  defert  of  Gaza,  "  preached  Jefus"  to  the  Ethio- 
pian eunuch,  and  convened  hirn  to  the  Chriftian  faith,  there 
was  the  name,  the  prelence  and  the  power  of  Chrift.  When 
John,  in  the  ifle  that  is  called  PalmOS',  "  heard  a  great  voice, 
fating,  I  am  Alpha  and  Omega,"  there  was  the  name,  the 
prefencc  and  the  power  of  Chrrft  That  prefence,  my  breth- 
ren, we  hope  and  trufr,  is  in  the  midit  of  this  worfhipping  af- 
fembly,  and  pcefiding  over  it  ;  is  to  confeerate  that  table  and 
thofe  elements  ot  bread  and  wine  ;  is  to  fanclify  and  enno.de 
our  communion  and  fellowihip.  But  it  is  i.ot  confined  to 
this  place.  It  is  at  this  moment  diffufing  light,  and  Hfe,  and 
joy  over  myriads  ot  worlhippers  in  the  eaft  in  the  weft,  in  the 
fouth,  in  the  north.  It  is  "  the  confidence  ot  all  the  ends  of 
the  earth,  and  ot  them  that  are  afar  ofFupon  the  lea  :"  4*  in  all 
places  where  I  record  my  name  I  will  come  unto  thee  and 
blefs  thee."  "  Where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in 
my  name,  there  am  I  in  the  mid  11  of  them." 
'  This  fubjeciion  of  thedevilsto  the  difciples,  through  the  name 
ot  Chrift,  Jefus  in  his  reply  contemplates  as  the  beginning  ot 
Satan's  complete  and  final  overthrow,  as  a  Jtep  toward  the  to- 
tal fubverfion  of  his  kingdom.  "  He  fa  d  unto  them,  I  be- 
held Satan  as  lightning  tall  from  heaven  :"  "  when  I  fent  you 
forth  armed  with  my  comrnillion  and  turnifiied  you  with  pow- 
er to  execute  it,  I  faw  fwih  deftruclion  overtaking  i  he  deftroy- 
er.  You  have  begun  aconqueit  which  I  am  proceeding  to 
accomplifh.  You  have  fubjected  his  mifchievous  agent  . 
fhallbruife  Satan  himfelf  under  your  feet  ihortly."  "His  u- 
furped  dominion,  as  "  the  God  of  this  world,"  as 4<  the  prince 
ot  the  power  ot'the  air,"  as  "  the  ruler  of  the  darknefs  ot  this 
woitd,"  is  battening  "  to  expire.  Rooted,  eltablifhed  as  it  may 
feem  to  be,  it  (hall  vanilh  in  a  moment,  rapid  as  a  fiafh  of 
lightning,  which  dilappears  before  it  is  well  feen."  1  he  e\- 
preflion  is  in  ule  with  both  the  lacred  and  profane  ami 
The  downfall  of  the  king  of  Babylon  is,  by  the  prophet,  re- 
prefented  under  this  hold  imagery  :  "  How  art  thou  fallen 
from  heaven,  O  Lucifer  Ion  ot  the  morning  !  howv  art  thou 
cut  down  to  the  ground  !"  The  Roman  orator  fays  ot  Antho- 
ny, "  thou  haft  dragged  downthy  colleague  from  heaven;" 
aud  whenPompey  the  Great  was  hurled  horn  his   proud    pre- 


eminence. 


j, 6  history  of  [Lecl.  xy. 

eminence,  Cicero  represents  birn  as  having  "  fallen  from  the 
liars."  The  time  to  favour  a  darkened,  enflaved  world  was 
now  come>  and  J  fas  triumphs  in  the  near  profpecl  ot  the 
converfion  of  the  gentile  nations  "  from  darknefs  to  light,  and 
irom  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God." 

The  former  million  of  the  Seventy  was  limited  to  N  the 
cities  and  places,  whither  he  himfelf  would  come  ;"  now 
their  fphere  is  enlarged,  and  with  an  extended  commiffion 
fredi  afljrances  are  given  ot  divine  protection  wherever  they 
went.  •■'  Behold  I  give  unto  you  power  to  tread  on  ferpents 
and  f< -crpions,  and  over  all  the  power  of  the  enemy  ;  and 
nothing 'flial;  by  any  means  hurt  you."  After  the  refurrec- 
tion  irom  the  dead,  an  unbounded  career  is  fet  before  them, 
the  vail  globe  is  fpread  out  as  the  fcene  of  a&ion,  the  whole 
human  race,  through  all  ages  and  generations  is  the  grand  ob- 
ject of  the  gofpel  miniftry  and  powers  adequate  to  he  un- 
dertaking are  granted.  "  Go  \e  into  all  the  world,  and  preach 
the  goipel  to  every  creature" — **  and  thefe  figns  mall  follow 
them  that  believe  ;  in  my  name  fhall  they  caft  out  devils; 
they  flrall  fp?ak  with  new  tongues ;  they  fhall  take  up  ferpents; 
and  if  ihey  drink  any  deadly  thing  it  fhall  not  hurt  them: 
they  mall  lay  hands  on  the  hck,  and  they  fhall  recover." 
Here  every  qpflruclion  is  removed,  all  oppofition  dies,  every 
enemy  isfubdued,  and  the  feriptures  are  fulfilled,  which  fay  : 
c<  Every  valley  fhall  be  exalted,  and  every  mountain  and  hill 
mail  be  made  low  :  and  the  crooked  (hall  be  made  ilraight,  and 
the  rough  places  plain  :"  "  Thou  (halt  not  be  afraid  for  the 
terror  by  night,  nor  for  the  arrow  that  flieth  by  day,  nor  for  the 
peflilence  that  walketh  in  darknefs,  nor  for  the  deftruclion 
that  wafteth  at  noon-day."  "  Thou  (halt  tread  upon  the  lion 
adder  :  the  young  lion  and  the  dragon  fhalt  thou  trample 
under  feet."  Thus  was  the  ferpent's  head  bruifed,  and  the  tri- 
ll of  the  Redeemer  completed.  Compare  ipiritual  things 
with  ipiritual,  the  commiflion  ot  the  great  Head  of  the  Church 
with  the  execution  ot  it,  the  promifed  fupport  of  the  apofiies 
with  what  they  were  enabled  actually  to  atchieve,  as  the  facls 
Hand  recorded  in  the  book  of  their  acts. 

But  Jeius  points  out  to  his  difciples  a  purer  fource  of  joy 
than  even  a  grant  of  miraculous  powers  could  bellow.  It  was 
highly  honourable  and  unfpeakably  grateful  to  be  invefted  with 
authority  to  control  evil  fpirits,  to  cure  inveterate  diftemper  and 
quicken  the  dead,  and  to  enjoy  perfect  perfonal  fecurity  amidft 
inares,  and  dangers  and  the  lhadow  ot  death,  to  fpeak  with 
tongues  and  initruct  the  ignorant.  But  thefe  and  other  choice 
gifts  ot  God  have  been   conferred    on  the  unworthy.     Great 

talents 


Left.  xv. J  jrsus  Christ.  %5y 

talents  are  not  always  fanftified  to  the  pofleffor*  Beneficial  to 
others  they  may  be  unprofitable  or  ev/en  pernicious  to  die  man 
himfelf.  He  may  fpeak  with  the  Tongues  of  men  and  of  an- 
gels :  he  may  have  the  gift  of  prophecy,  and  underftand  all 
myfteries  and  all  knowledge  ;  he  may  have  all  faiih  fo  as  to  be 
able  to  remove  mountains  ;  he  may  lay  out  his  whole  e  11  ate  in 
works  ot  charity,  and  even  fubmit  to  futTer  mvrtyrdom,  and  af- 
ter all  remain  delfitute  of  that  principle  which  alone  admits  in- 
to the  kingdom  ot  heaven.  The  magicians  of  Egypt  perform- 
ed wonders,  but  they  ferved  only  10  harden  the  heart 
again  It  God.  Balaam  was  a  true  prophet,  but  "  he  loved  the 
wages  of  unrighteoufnefs  :"  he  knew  and  approved  the  better 
courie,  but  he  deliberately  perievered  in  the  worfe.  Simon 
had  the  art  of  bewitching  the  peopleof  Samaria  with  forceries  ; 
V  to  him  they  all  gave  heed,  from  the  lead  to  the  greateft,  fay- 
ing, this  man  is  the  great  power  of  God."  "  He  himfelt  be- 
lieved alio,  and  was  baptized,"  but  his  "  heart  was  not  right  in 
the  fight  of  God  ;"  he  was  fhll  '"  in  the  gail  of  bitternefs,  and 
in  the  bond  of  iniquity."  "  Not  every  one  that  faith  unto 
Lord,  Lord,  fhall  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  but  he 
that  doeth  the  will  of  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven.  Many 
will  fay  to  me  in  that  day,  Lord,  Lord,  have  we  not  proph 
in  thy  name  ?  and  in  thy  name  have  catt  out  devils  ?  and  in 
thy  name  done  many  wonderful  works  ?  And  then  will  I  pro- 
le fs  unto  them,  1  never  knew  you  :  depart  from  me,  ye  that 
work  iniquity."  Where  God  has  beitowed much,  he  will  ex- 
pecl  much,  and  in  proportion  to  the  number  and  value  ot  the 
gifts  received  is  the  account  that  mult  be  given.  Wno  was  e- 
qually  honoured  with  the  apoftle  of  the  gentiles,  by  extraordi- 
nary communications  from  heaven  ?  but  "  it  is  not  expedient 
for  me,"  fays  he  "  to  glory  :"  "  of  myfelt  I  will  not  glory,  but 
in  mine  infirmities."  In  what  then  docs  a  Paul,  in  what  does 
every  believer  chiefly  rejoice  and  glory  ?  In  the  composing 
reflection,  "  my  name  is  written  in  the  book  of  life."  "I  know 
whom  I  have  believed, and  I  am  pcrfuaded  that  he  is  able  to 
keep  that  which  I  have  committed  unto  him  againft  that  day," 
M  Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  ol  righteoufnefs, 
which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge,  fhall  give  me  at  that  day  : 
and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all  them  alfo  that  love  his  ap- 
pearing." Compared  to  this,  what  a  poor  trifle  it  is  tor  a  man 
to  know  that  his  name  is  in  an  opulent  teliator's  will  tor  a  I, 
did  bequeft,  were  it  even  the  reverfion  ol  a  kingdom  ?  This  is 
that  "  peace  of  God  which  paifeth  all  undenbmdin^,  which 
ihall  keep  the  heart  and  mind  through  Chnit  Jeius,"  and  which 
the  world  can  neither  give  nor  take  away. 

This 


;  :;  |  H  I S  T  O  K  Y    O  F  f  L<i£\ .  XV  , 

This  is  "  the  hour*5'  the  eventful  hour  when  "  Jefus  rejoiced 
:in  fpirit  :"  the  hour  when  the  great  Sovereign  of  the  univerfe 
wa<  fubjecltng  fpiritual  wickednefTes  to  human  agents,  and 
perfecting  praife  out  ot  the  mouths  ot  babe>  and  i'ucklings; 
when  all  the  glories  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  unveiled  them- 
felves  to  his  view,  and  the  nations  of  the  earth  haftenedinto  it. 
The  fcenes  of  forrow  and  fuifering  which  mull  intervene  are 
abforbed  in  contemplating  the  blefled  effects  which  they  were 
to  produce.  "  In  that  hour  Jefus  rejoiced  in  fpirit,  and  laid,  I 
thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  that  thou  haft 
hid  thefe  things  from  the  wile  and  prudent,  and  haft  revealed 
them  unto  babes  :  even  fo,  Father  ;  for  io  it  feemed  good  in 
thy  fight."  Here  We  behold  our  great  pattern  fetting  us  the 
example  of  referring  every  thing  to  God,  as  the  firfl  caufe  and 
the  la  ft  end  of  all  ;  who  acts  by  his  own  uncontrolable,  inex- 
plicable fupremacy,  and  with  a  view  to  his  own  glory.  But 
we  are  not  to  underftand  our  Lord  as  giving  thanks  that  "  the 
wife  and  prudent"  were  kept  in  a  ftate  ot  ignorance  refpe£ling 
the  things  of  God,  but  that  while  they  were  io.  while  they  re- 
mained under  the  power  ot  wilful  biindnefs,  it  had  graciouQy 
pjeafed  God  to  manifeft  thefe  things  to  the  comparatively  fim- 
ple  and  illiterate.  We  have  a  fimilar  mode  of  expreflion,  and 
which  faljs  under  the  fame  mode  of  interpretation,  in  the  epif- 
t!e  to  the  Romans,  vi.  17,  where  the  apoftle  fays  :  "  But  God 
he  thanked  that  ye  were  tfre  fervants  of  fin;"  meaning  obvi- 
oufly,  4  that  although,  that  whereas  ye  were  the  fervants  ot  fin, 
ye  have  obeyed  from  the  heart  that  form  of  doctrine  which  was 
delivered  you  :"  So  here,  "  I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of 
heaven  and  earth,  that  while  the  wife  in  their  own  conceits, 
and  the  prudent  in  theeftimation  of  the  world,  neglect  and  def- 
pife  the  things  which  belong  to  their  peace,  their  all-impor- 
tance is  difcerned,  felt,  prized  and  improved  by  perfons*  lowly 
in  their  own  fight,  contemptible  in  the  eyes  of  men,  but  eftima- 
ble  in  the  eyes  ot  Him  who  "  refifteth  the  proud,  but  giveth 
grace  unto  the  humble." 

Jefus  afcribes  to  the  Father  univerfality  of  dominion,  under 
the  title  ot  "  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth  ;"  and  he  refolves  all 
c/eatiires  and  all  events  into  divine  fovereignty  :  "Even  fot 
Father,  for  fo  it  feemed  good  in  thy  fight."  "  He  giveth  not 
account  of  any  ot  his  matters."  "  He  doth  according  to  his 
will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and  among  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth  :  and  none  can -flay  his  hand,  or  fay  unto  him,  What  do- 
eft  thou  ?"  That  which  is  good  in  the  eyes  ot  man  is  frequent- 
ly a  fore  evil  ;  but  that  which  is  good  in  the  fight  of  God  muft 
be  good  in  hfclf ;  and   when   Deity   fhall   have  executed  the 

whole 


Left:.   XV.]'  jLSUS   CHRIST.  'i§£ 

whole  plan  of  bis  providence,  the  myriads  of  his  faints  and  an- 
gels (hall  with  one  voice  proclaim  "  all  is  good."  "  Blefnng, 
and  honour,  and  glory  and  power,  be  unto  him  that  fitteib  up- 
on the  thr  >ne,  and  unto  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever." 

Having  made  this  afcrifction  or  univerfal  power,  authority 
and  property  to  the  Father,  he  leprelents  himfelt  as  invefted 
m  an  equal  extent  of  dominion,  as  fole  and  fovereign  adminif- 
t'rator  of  ihe  world  which  he  made,  which  he  upholds,  an-3 
which  became  to  redeem.  i4  All  things  are  delivered  to  me  of 
my  Father."  God  is  "  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth."  Now 
the'e  two  Words  imply  all  fpace,  with  all  the  beings  which  in- 
habit the  worlds  '  vifible  and  invisible,  whether  they  be  #hrone3 
or  do  ninions,  or  principalities  or  powers."  To-  the  utrnovb 
extent  of  the  words,  therefore,  and  of  their  import,  the  fove- 
reignty  of  God  Redeemer  extends,  and  it  is  afTerted  and  af- 
cribed  neither  in  a  (ingle  pallage,  nor  in  doubtful  terms.  Ail- 
power,"  fays  he  in  another  place,  "  is  given  unto  me  in  heav- 
en and  in  earth:"  M  authority  to  exec  ire  judgment  alio;" 
"  power  over  all  flefh,  to  give  eternal  life.*'  "  The  Father  raif- 
eth  up  the  dead,  and  quickeneth  them  ;  even  fothe  Son  quick- 
eneth  whom  he  will.  For  the  Father  judge m  no  man  ;  but 
hath  committed  all  judgment  unto  the  Son  ;  that  allmenlhould 
honour  the  Son,  even  as  they  honour  the  Father."  Now  thi3 
is  either  mere  pretenfion,  unfounded  as  that  of  the  devil  ovei 
V  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world,  and  the  glory  of  them,"  or  it 
is  a  claim  of  right  :  and  who  but  God  can  fupport  fuch  a  claim  ? 
Who  but  God  can  pollefs  and  exercife  the  power  of  quicken- 
ing the  dead,  of  executing  judgment  upon  all,  not  oniy  accord- 
ing to  their  works,  but  according  to  their  mod  beret  thoughts, 
and  of  bellowing  eternal  life  ?  Is  a  creature,  a  mere  man  like 
ourfelves,  to  be  entrufted  with,  is  he  capable  of  managing  luch 
an  empire  ?  No  ;  Where  all  power,  then,  is  lodged,  there  i -. 
Deity  ;  "  in  that  he  put  all  in  fubjection  under  him,  he  left 
nething  that  is  not  put  under  him."  Behold,  Chriilian,  and 
rejoice  in  fpirit,  the  powers  of  darkness  proitrae  under  the 
feet  of  the  Prince  of  Peace  :  He  '"  maketh  his  angels  fpii 
his  minifters  a  flaming  fire,"  and  "  are  they  not  all  mini  fieri  ng 
fpirits, fent  forth  to  minifter  for  them  who  (hall  be  heirs  of  fal  ■ 
vation  ?"  Behold  the  heathen  given  him  tor  his  inheritance, 
and  the  uttermoft  parts  of  the  earth  tor  apofleflion  ;  "  Herauft 
reign,  until  he  hath  put  all  enemies  under  his  feet."  V\re,  my 
beloved  brethren,  are  part  of  the  all  things  which  are  delivered 
by  the  Father  unto  the  Son  ;  and  the  precious  depotit  is  fee 
!y  placed  :  Thine  they  were,  and  thougavefltfrem  me  :— thole, 
"hat  thou  gavefl  me  I  have  kept,  and  none  of  them  is  "  loll  :' 


j 66  ::iiIORi  OF  [Left.   XV, 

and  you  are  going  this  day  folemnly  to  deliver  up  yourfelves 
to  him,  to  be  taught  by  his  fpirit,  to  be  governed  by  his  laws, 
to  be  protected  by  his  arm,  to  be  fupplied  by  his  providential 
care  ;  therefore  "  ye  are  not  your  own,  for  ye  are  bought  with 
a  price  :  therefore  glorify  God  in  your  body,  and  in  your  fpir- 
it, which  are  God's." 

It  is  added,  "  and  no  man  knoweth  who  the  Son  is,  but  the 
Father ;  and  who  the  Father  is,  but  the  Son,  and  he  to  whom 
the  Son  will  reveal  him."  That  is,  the  nature,  excellency,  and 
dignity  of  the  Godhead  can  be  known  only  by  Deity.  God  is 
infinite  in  all  his  perfections,  but  in  contemplating  infinity  all 
created  underftanding  is  loft.  This  reciprocal  knowledge  of 
the  Father  and  of  the  Son  is  itfelf  a  myftery  infcrutable,  tor  it 
prefents  at  once  plurality  and  unity  ;  which  human  reafon  finks 
under.  "  No  man  hath  feen  God  at  any  time  ;  the  only  be- 
gotten Son,  which  is  in  the  bofom  of  the  Father,  he  hath  de- 
clared him."  If  man  has  been  enabled  to  form  any  right  no- 
tion of  God,  he  is  indebted  lor  it  to  the  revelation  of  Jefus 
Chrift  the  Son  of  God.  That  revelation  has  unfolded  God's 
purpofe  and  grace,  before  the  world  began.  That  revelation 
has  explained  thehiftory  of  Providence  through  ages  and  gen- 
erations paft.  That  revelation  has  difclofed  an  eternal  dura- 
tion to  come,  for  unfolding,  in  endlefs  fuccefiion,  the  inex- 
hauftible  treafure  of  the  knowledge  of  "  the  only  true  God,  and 
Jefus  Chrift  whom  he  hath  fent."  Every  paft,  every  prefent, 
every  future  difcovery  of  the  divine  counfels,  and  of  their  ex- 
ecution, is  the  operation  of  the  great  light  of  the  world  ;  "  for 
God,  who  commanded  the  light  to  fhine  out  of  darknefs,  hath 
ihined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the  light  of  the  knowledge  of  the 
glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jefus  Chrift." 

If  fuch  were  the  honour  and  the  power  conferred  on  the 
Twelve  and  on  the  Seventy  fimple  Galileans;  if  through  the 
grace  of  Chrift  they  not  only  exceeded  the  attainments  of  fci- 
ence,  and  the  operations  of  art,  but  exercifed  authority  over 
the  devil  and  his  angels,  then  what  may  not  man  become  ? 
What  bounds  (hall  be  fet  to  the  progrefs  of  an  immortal  being, 
-<  the  new  man,  which  after  God  is  created  in  righteoufnefs  and 
true  holinefs  ?"  The  eye  of  fenfe  difcerns  a  frail  child  of  duff, 
finking  under  a  load  of  growing  infirmity  ;  "  in  heavmefs 
thiough  manifold  temptations;"  "  through  fear  of  death  fub- 
jecled  to  bondage."  The  eye  of  faith  beholds  in  that  fame  for- 
Jorn  creature,  one  haftening  unto  the  refurre&ion  of  the  dead, 
about  to  a  flume  a  glorious  body  fafhioned  after  the  fimilitude 
of  that  of  a  rifen  and  glorified  Redeemer,  arifing  V  to  meet  the 
Lord  in  the  air,"  triumphing  over  death,  and4' him  who  has  the 

power 


Lt&..  X  V/}  '  J  E  S  C  S    C'HR  1ST.  *6l 

|»wcr  of  death,"  "  with  open  face,  beholding  as  in  a  glafr  the 
|be  &lory  °f  the  Lord,  and  changing  into  the  lame  image  from 
glory  ro  glory." 

Chrift  has  taught  us,  my  brethren,  to  refbrt  to  the  r-dical 
fource  or  confolation  ;  "rejoice,  becaufe  your  nar.es  are  writ- 
ten in  heaven."  It  is  a  pic  Jam  and  an  honourable  tee!  nj 
take  complacency  in  an  ittuftrmus  or  even  reputable  defcettt  ; 
to  reflecl:  on  the  attainment  bf  eminence  of  ftation  by  eminence 
in  talent  ;  to  contemplate  wealth  earned  By  induftry  and  fair- 
dealing.  But  thele,  an  i  fuc  h  advantages  as  rhefe,  are  tranfient. 
They  .may  be  marred  aad  embittered  by  untoward  circumfrkn- 
ces  But  to  meditate  on  an  inalienable,  unalterable  good,  rt:n- 
tiihg  through  the 'whole ipTOgrefs  of  duration,  increafiirg  con- 
tinually in  lullre  and  value  ;  to  think  that  all  is  the  free  gift  of 
&  Father,  whofe  love'is  not  liable  to  change,  whofe  bounty  is 
inexhaulfible.  whofe  power  (uftains  the  worlds  viTible  md  in- 
vifible,  and  whofe  exiftehce  is  from  everlaftirfg  to  everli/ting  : 
this  foothes  he  Too!  tc  pezte  this  fweetens  the  bittereft  mc-r- 
fel,  this  quenches  the  flame  of  the  h\-ry  trial,  this  di farms  the 
king  of  terror*,  "  T hefe  things  feUh  he  'hat  hath  the  feveh 
fpints  of  God,  and  ihe  feven  itar."  "  He  that  overcometh,  the 
i'ame  (hA\  be  clothed  in  white  ra>ment ;  and  I  will  not  blot  out 
his  name  out  of  the  book  of  life,  but  I  will  confefe  hi-s  name 
before  mv  Father  and  before  his  angels." 

The  higheft  privileges  'which  Chriftianity  confers,  and  the 
fairelt  profnect  which  it  open.-;,  powerfully  recommend  the 
fpirit  ol  humthty.  is  thy  name  written  in  heaven  r  What  hand 
wrote  it  tli -re  P  'Might  not'the  hao'd  that  wrote  blot  it  out  a- 
gain  ?  Has  not- thy  6Wn  right  hand  ma  -e'many  a  dreadful  at- 
tempt to  erafe  the  fignature  ?  I'  it  has. found  a  place  on  that 
hallowed  page,  if  it  has  been  permitted  to  remain  there,  if  it 
lias  hot  in  fatherly  dilplealure  bien  forever  obliterated,  it  is 
»U  of  free  foverogn  grace.  Art  »hdu  an  heir  of  "  a  kingdom 
vhich  cannot  be  moved  ?"  "  it  is  your  lather's  good  pleafure  to 
give  you  the  kingdom,"  have  grace,  whereby  yo.a  may  "  ferve 
i  accep'abiy,  with  reverence  and  godly  fear."  The  high- 
eft  and  the  holied  are  alfo  the  hymbleft  of  being's,  With 
whom  does  *'  tfw?  high  ar,d  lofty  One  that  inhabiteth  eternity, 
whofe  name  is  Holy,"  delight  to  dwell  ?  "  With  him  who  is 
of  a  contrite  and  humble  fpirSt,  to  revive  the  fpirit  ol  the  hum- 
ble, and  to  revive  the  heart  bf'tlie  contrite  cries."  He  who 
::•  mod  humble  lias  the  greatelt  fiftiilitude  t<>  his  divine  Mailer, 
•and  to  be  like  Chrilf  is  to  pbffefi  the  higheft  glo.y  which  the 
creature  is  capable  ot  attaining.  4I  Learn  ot  me,"  fays  he,  not 
*c  walk  upon  the  water  or  rebuke  the  wind,  not  to   open    the 

era 


*&  HISTORY  of  [Left.    XV. 

eyes  of  the  blind  or  quicken  the  dead,  but  "  Learn  of  me  ;  fo? 
I  am  meek  and  Jowly  in  heart  :  and  ye  fhall  find  reft  unt« 
your  fouls/' 

"  Jefus  rejoiced  in  fpirit,"  as  he  contemplated  the  rife,  the 
progrefs,  the  confummation  of   his  kingdom,   and   the    corres- 
pondent do  Wnfal  of  the  empire  of  fin  and    Satan.      He    is  the 
fame  who  wept  over  the  grave  of  Lazarus,  who   '■'  groaned    in 
!  the  fpirit  and  was  troubled,"  in  fympathy  with  the  wo  of  oth- 
ers ;  (he  fame  who  beheld  the  devoted   city,  "  and    wept   over 
it  ;."  the  fame  who  in    the   agony  of  Gethfemane   exclaimed, 
'•'  My  foul  is  exceeding  forrowful,  even  unto  death."     Let  our 
forrows  and  joys  flow  from  the  fame  fources  with  his.   Are  the 
ravages  oi  lime  and  death  prefented  to  our  view,  or  the   ftili 
morerreadful  ravages,  wmVh  ifTue  in  death  committed  by  "  the 
carnal  mind  which  is  enmity  againft  God,"  and  hatred  to  man  ? 
Are  we  the  fpecrators  of  the  progrefs  of  moral  corruption  from 
evil  to  worfe,  till  all  is  loft  ?'    Can    we    behold    it   unmoved  ? 
*'  Fools  make  a  mock  at  fin,"  but  every  fenous    fpirit  js    very5 
differently   affected,      "  1   beheld  the  tranfgreffors,"    fays   the 
Ffalmift,  "  and  was  grieved  becaufe  they   kept  not   thy   word. 
Rivers  of  waters  run  down  mine  eyes  ;  becaufe  they  keep  not 
thy  law  "   On  the  other  hand,  how  delightful  is  it,  to  maik  the 
p'rogrefs  of  goodneis  ;  '*  the  path   of  the  juft   as   the   mining 
light,  that  (hineth -more  and  more  unto  the  pprfe£t  day  ;"  to  be- 
hold "■"  a  brand  pluck't  out  of  the  fire,"  a  foulfaved  from  death, 
an  heir  born  into  the  kingdom  of  God  !  This  caufes   "  joy    in 
heaven,  in  the  prefence  of  the  angels  of  God."      This    is    that 
*'  travail  of  his  foul,"   which  the  Redeemer   "  fhall  fee,   and 
fhall  be  fatistied."     This    is  the  dawning  of   that  eternal   day 
when'   the  raniomed  of  the  Lord   (hall   return,   and   come   to 
Zion  with  fongs,  and  everlafting  joy  upon  their   heads  :    they 
fhall  obtain  joy  and  gladnefs,  and  forrow  and  fighing  fhall  flee 
away."     That  we  all  may  be  found  in  that  company,    partake 
of  that  joy.  aftift  in  railing  thofe  fongs,    may    God  of    his   in- 
finite  mercy  grant,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Prayer  in  consecrating  the  Elements. 

WE  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth, 
for  all  thy  inexpreflible,  all  thy  inconceivable  goodnefs  to  the 
children  of  men.  Thou  didft  form  the  nrlt  human  body  of 
M  duff,  of  the  ground."  and  thou  didft  breathe  into  man  the' 
breath  of  life,  and  he  became  a  living  foul,  capable  of  knowing,, 
•si  admiring,  of  loving,  and  of  enjoying  the  glorious  excellen- 
cies 


jLecc.    X.V.]  JESUS   CHRIST.  163 

.cies  of  the  Divine  Nature.  Under  thy  creative  benedi Prion  he 
increafed,  and  multiplied,  and  replenifhed  the  earth.  But  man 
that  ^vas  in  honour  continued  not.  Sin  entered  into  the  world, 
and  death  by  fin  has  patted  upon  all  men.  Neverthelefs,  God 
who  is  rich  in  mercy  pitied  and  fpared,  and  faid,  '  Deliver 
him  from  going  down  to  the  pit ;  I  have  found  a  ranfom."  To 
guilty  man,  driven  out  from  paradife.  a  door  or  gra^  e  opene  1 
dawn  ol  hope  arofe.  That  dawning  light,  that  day-fpring  from 
on  high,  through  thy  favour,  waxed  brighter  and  brighter,  till 
it  reached  meridian  fplendor.  T'ie  Julnefsof  time  came,  when 
"  (rod,  who  at  fundry  times,  and  in  divers  manners,  (pake  in 
times  p^it  unto  the  fjihers  by  the  prophets,"  was  plea  fed  to 
fpeak  "  unto  us  by  his  Son,  the  heir  of  all  things,"  who  "  made 
the  worlds,  being  the  bright nefs  of  his  glory,  and  the  exprefs 
ima^e  of  his  perfon,  znd  upholding  all  things  by  the  word  of 
his  pover."  But  he  "  made  himfelf  of  no  reputation,  and  took 
upon  him  he  form  of  a  fervant,  and  was  made  in  the  likenefs 
of  men  :"  He  was"  defpifed  and  rejected  of  men,  a  man  of 
forrows  dnd  acquainted  with  grief  :"'  and  M  being  found  111 
falhion  as  a  man,  he  humbled  himfelf,  and  became  obedient 
unto  death,  even  die  death  of  the  crols,"  and  "  when  he  had 
by  himfelf  purged  our  fins,  fat  down  on  the  right  hand  of  the 
Majefly  on  high."  '*  Which  things  the.  angels  defire  to  look. 
into  i"  let  our  fouls  rejoice  and  adore. 

To  thee,  voluntarily  humbled,  to  thee,  highly  exahed  Sa- 
viour, our  knees  (hall  bow  :  ihat  sanie  which  is  above  every 
name  our  tongue  ihall  contefs  ;  "  the  love  of  C h •  1  ft  con- 
flrasneth  us  :"  "  we  love  him  :  becaufe  he  £1  ft  loved  us." 
And  what  proof,  blefTed  Lord,  what  proof  of  love  art  thou 
this  day  demanding  of  thine  infinitely  indebted  creatures  ? 
Not  to  lufTer  the  lols  of  all  things  not  to  go  to  prifon  and  to 
death  for  thee,  not  to  give  our  body  to  be  burnt,  not  to  give 
but  to  receive  :  M  Take  and  eat,  Take  and  drink,  Do  this  in 
remembrance  of  Me.''  Of  a  truth  thy  commandments  are 
not  grievous  ;  ihy  yoke  is  eafy,  and  thy  burden  is  light. 
Draw  us,  we  will  run  alter  thee  ;  thele  are  cords  of  a  man, 
thefe  are  bands  ol  love.  We  hear  the  command  and  we  obey. 
Y.T e  prefent  our  bodies  a  living  (aci  ifice,  which  is  our  reafona- 
ble  fervice.  We  devote  the  fuperior  powers  of  our  immortal 
fpirits  to  the  contemplation  of.thc  great  myitery  of  godlineis, 
we  "  may  be  able  I  >  cp  b prebend  with  all  faints  what  is, 
the  breadth,  and  length,,  and  depth,  and  height,  and  to 
know  the  love  of  Chnft  which  pafleth  knowledge,  and 
that  we  may  be  filled  with   all  the   I  I  God." 

We 


*5d  HISTORY    OF  [Left.  &VL 

We  employ,  rifen  and  exalted  Redeemer,  we  employ  thefe 
elements  of  bread  and  wine  as  a  memorial  of  thy'  dying'  love,, N 
becaufe,  in  the  near  profpeci  of  death,  thou  wert  pleafed,  b  v  ~ 
giving  thanks  over  them,  to  let  them  apart  to  this  f acred  pur- 
pofe.  V/e  would,  after  thy  example,  look  up  to  our  Father, 
in  heaven,  and  give  thanks  for  all  the  blefl-irigs  which  they 
commemorate,  for  redemption  through  the  blood  ot  Chriiiy 
the  rorgiVenefs  of  fin>  according  to  the  riches  of  free  fover^ 
eign  grace  ;  for  the  abohihmg  of  death,  and  for  all  the  ex- 
ceedingly great  and  precious  promifes,  and  the  glorious  proC- 
peels  of  liie  and  immortality  brought  to  light  by  the  gofpel. 

In  thy  name  we   fplemnly    feparate  from   a  common   to   a 
hallowed  ufe,  fo  much  of  this  bread  and  of    this    wine    as    we 
are  now  to  employ   in   commemorating    the  death    of  Chriir, 
his  body  broken,  and  his  blood  ibed  as  a  propitiation  for    the*  - 
fin  of  the  world.  '  And  over   thefe   facre'd    fymbols    we  again 
Fplemnfy  "dedicate  ourfelves  unto  thee,*  to.  be  diipofed   of    b^  ' 
thy  providence,  to  be  governed  by  thy  laws>,  to  be   guided    by 
thy  fpirit.  to  be  accepted  through.!}:  inter  ceffijori.     Thee  hav-' 
ing  not  feen  we  love  ;  in  thee,  though  now  we   fee   thee     not, 
yet  believing,  we  rejoice    with  joy  unspeakable,   and  full   of 
glory  !  receiving  the  end  of  our  lath,'  even   the    lah'ation    of 
our  'fouls.    In  thy  prefence  we  become  witnefles  to  each  oth-' 
er,  and  we  call  angel's  and  men  io   witneis     that   we  fubferibe 
with  our  hand  unto   the    Lord,  in  Ire  moling  hope  that    our 
names  are  written  in  the  Lamb's  book  of  life,  among   the    liv- 
ing in  the  heavenly  Jerufalem.     And  in  this  blelfed  hope    we 
would,  with  one  heart  arid  voice,  afcribe  to  God  in  Chrifl  the 
kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the   glory,   now,   and   for  ever- 
more.    Amen. 


Address  to  Communicants    at   the   Sacramen- 
tal Table. 

TO. fit  down  at  one  table,  to  partake  of  the  fame  fare, 
is  the  happieft  view  of  domeflic  comfort  and  of  friendly  in- 
tercourlc.  The  body  and  the  mind  are  refrefhed  at  once. 
The  bond  of  union  is  ftrengthened  and  fweetened, between  the 
lather  and  mother,  between  the  parents  and  their  children,  a- 
rnong  brothers  and  lifters,  among  kindred  and  friends.  To 
the  enjoyment  of  that  pure  and  exalted  felicity;  my  brethren, 
we  are  now  invited  ;  and  with  the  profpe&s  of  immortality 
blend  the  endearing  charities  of  human  life.  The  great  Maf- 
ter  of  our  Gofpel  repafl  is  not  now  indeed  the  object  of  fenfe, 

but 


Lea. 


XV.j  JESUS    CHRIST.     •  l£j 


bat  he  is  afluredly  with  us,  he  contemplates  with  complacen- 
cy oar  c ■■mmon  faith  and  hope,  our  mutual  aiiection.  He 
rejoices  in  fpirir  while  he  beholds  thofe  for  whom  he  died  re- 
membering his  dean,  obeying  bis  commandments,  living  un- 
der the  influence  of  his  fpiv.it-,  advancing  in  his  ftrength  toward 
the  kingdom  ot  heaven.  Him  not  having  leen  ye  love,  and  ye 
look,  forward  to  the  day  when  ye  mall  be  like  him,  tor  ye  (hall 
fee  him  as  he  is. 

Communicants,  ye  are  elevated  to  the  fummit  of  an  exceed- 
ing high  mountain,  but  not  by  the  fpirit  ot  del u (ion,  to  furvey 
airy  or  car  h!y'  kingdoms,  and  a  glory  unfubitantial  and  tran- 
sient: but  by  the  fpirijt  of  power,  and  ot  love,  and  ot  a  found 
mind,  to  contemplate  a  kingdom  which  cannot  be  moved,  a 
kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world. 
You  futvey  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  and  unde filed,  and 
that  fadeth  not  away  ;  not  with  the  feelings  of  a  Balaam,  who 
beheld  from  the  high  places  ot  Baal,  the  goodly  tents  ot  Jacob* 
and  the  tabernacles  ot  Ifiael,  in  which  he  had  neither  part  nor 
lot ;  nor  with  the  emotions  of  a  Mofes,  who  from  Pifgah  view- 
ed the  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey  into  which  he  mulfc 
not  enter;  but  with  the  confidence  and  compofure  ot  aw  Abra- 
ham, to  whom  God  Paid  ;  M  Lift  up  now  ihine  eyes,  and  look 
from  the  place  where  thou  art  northward,  and  fouthward,  and 
eailward,  and  weflward  :  Arife,  walk  through  the  land,  in  the 
length  ot  it,  and  in  the  breadth  of  it  :  {or  1  will  give  it  unto 
thee;"  but  with  the  rapture  of  a  Stephen,  who  expiring  ex- 
claimed :  '"  Behold,  I  fee  the  heavens  opened,  and  the  Son 
ot  man  (landing  on  the  right  hand  of  God."  That  ye,  Chrif- 
tiaris,  may  through  grace  be  made  partakers  ot  the  f<mne  di- 
vine coniolation,  We  adminiiter  unto  you,  and  partake  with 
you,  the  commanded  memorial  of  the  f  ufferings  and  death  of 
the  Redeemer  of  Mankind, 

11  The  Lord  in  the  fame  night  in  which  he  was  betrayed, 
took  bread  :  an;},  when  he  had  given  thanks,  he  brake  it,  and 
faid,  Take,  eat  ;  this  is  my  body,  which  is  broken  for  you  : 
this  do  in  remembrance  of  me." 

How  powerfully  emphatical  every  word  is  !  the  bread  of 
nature,  in  order  to  become  the  aliment  of  the  body  is  bruifed, 
and  broken,  and  pafTes  through  the  fire  :  "  The  bread  ot  life, 
which  came  down  from  heaven,"  fays  Chrifl  in  his  doftrine, 
u  is  my  flefh,  which  I  will  give  tor  the  life  of  the  woild." 
"  It  pleafed  the  Lord  to  bruife  him;  he  hath  put  him  10 
grief  :"  behold  him  buffeted  cf  kicked  men,  fcourged,  his 
head  crowned  with  thorns,  his  hands  and  his  feet  pierced,  his 
foul  poured  out  unto  death.     And  for   what  end?  His  body, 

my 


g£6  history  o?  [Left,  x.y. 

$ny  finful  fellow-creature,  was  M  broken  for  you."  "  He  was 
wounded  for  our  tranfgreiTions,  he  was  bruited  for  our  ini- 
quities :  the  chaltilement  of  our  peace  was  upon  him  ;  and 
with  his  ftripes  we  are  healed.  All  we  like  (heep,  have  gone 
aflray  ;  we  have. turned  every  one  to  his  way.  and  the  Lord 
hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity  of  us  ail."  And  what  does  he 
detnirA  in  return ■?  Do  this  in  remembrance  of  me.  Bleffed 
Jefus  i  ii  thou  had  ft  bidden  us  do  fome  great  thing,  would 
we  not  have  cheertully  complied?  How  much  rather  then, 
•when  the  yoke  ot  love  is  imputed  ?  We  come  at  thy  call: 
"  We  will  remember  the  name  ol  the  Lord  our  God  ;"  *-  O 
Lord  our  God,  other  Lords  betides  thee  have  had  dominion 
over  us;  but  by  .thee  only  will  we  make  mention  oi  thy  name." 

•*  After  the  fame  manner  alfo  he  took  the  cup,  when  he  had 
Capped,  faying,  this  cup  is  the  new  teftament  in  my  blood  : 
this  do  ye.  as  ott  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  ot  me,  For  as 
often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  fhew  the 
Lord's  death  till  he  come." 

In  drinking  together,  my  Chriflian  friends,  from  this  cup, 
we  joyfully  acquietee  in  the  new,  and  better,  and  well-ordered 
covenant,"  ordained  by  angels  in  the  hand  of  a  Mediator,'* 
and  "  eftahli (bed  upon  better  promites  ;"  a  covenant  which 
makes  provihon  not  only  for  human  infirmity,  butforthe  deep- 
eft  and  mo-it  malignant  guilt,  and  which  affords  not  merely  a 
■temporary  relief,  but  confers  an  unchangeable  and  everlafting 
fecurity.  V  This  is  the  covenant  that  I  will  make  with  the 
houfe  of  Ifrael,  after  thofe  days,  faith  the  Lord,  I  will-  put  my 
laws  into  their  mind,  and  write  them  in  their  hearts:  and  I  will 
he  to  them  a  God,  and  they  ftiall  be  to  me  a  people  :  and  they 
ihall  not  teach  every  man  his  neighbour,  and  every  man  his 
brother,  faying,  know  the  Lord,  for  all  fhall  know  me,  from  the 
kali  to  the  greateft.  For  I  will  be  merciful  to  their  untight- 
eoufnefs,  and  their  fins  and  their  iniquities  will  I  remember  no 
more.'*  And  what  is  the  teal  of  this  better  covenant  ?  It  is  be- 
fore you,  M  This  cup,"  fays  the  Saviour,  4k  is  the  new  Tefta- 
jnent  in  my  blood  :"  the  wine  in  the  cup  is  a  fymbolical  repre- 
fentation  of  my  blood  fhed  for  the  remiflion  of  fin.  "  Ye  know 
that  ye  were  not  redeemed  with  corruptible  things  as  filver  and 
gold  ;  but  with  the  precious  blood  of  Chrift,  as  of  a  Lamb 
without  blemifh  and  without  fpot ;"  "  fiain  from  the  foundation 
of  the  world,"  and  which  k<  cleanteth  us  from  all  fin." 

In  celebrating  this  holy  ordinance,  we  are  not  only  jnore 
clofely  cementing  the  ties  ot  nature  and  the  bands  of  friend- 
fhir>  among  ourtelves,  but  we  are  extending  our  communion 
to  the  church  ol  Chrift  univerfal,  in  the  Eaft  and  Weft,  in  the 

Soutfe 


Left.  XV.]  JESUS   CHRIST,  i(ff 

So  th  and  North  ;  we  are  ftretching  out  the  right  hand  of  fel- 
lowfhip  over  continents,  over  oceans  to  give  the  falutation  of 
brotherly-love  to  all  who  love  our  Lord  Jefus  j  and  to  invite 
men  pj  all  colours  and  of  all  languages,  to  call  in  their  lot  a- 
mong  us,  and  to  take  fhelter  with  us  under  the  fhadow  oi  this 
"  great  rock  in  a  weay  land,"  to  lepofe  with  us  amidft*1  the 
trees  of  life,"  whofe '•  leaves  arc  for  the  healing  Oi  the  na^ 
tions." 

.  But  is  not  "  our  fellowship  with  the  Father,  and  With  his< 
Son  Jefus  Chrifl  ?"  Is  it  not  then,  with  them  who  are  drink- 
ing new  wine  in  our  Father's  kingdom  ;  with  the  fpirits  oi  jiift 
men  made  perfect.  ;  with  thofe  whom  on  earth  wig  loved  ;  with 
thofe  who  have  often  eaten  and  drank  with  us  at  this  table,  and 
with  whom  we  hope  to  eat  and  to  drink  at  the-  table  thai  is  a* 
bove,  fitting  down  with  therri,  and  "  with  Abraham,  and  Ifaac, 
and  Jacob  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ?"  Deligh'fiil  reflection  I 
The  employments  or  earth  and  heaven  are  the  fame  ;  the  ani- 
mating principle,  the  fpiiit  of  hove  is  the  fame  ;  the  furjeck  of 
their  praife  and  the  fource  of  their  joy  are'  the  fame.  "  Unto 
Jefus  L'hHr,  who  is  the  faithful  witnefs,  and  rhe  fir  ft  begotten- 
of  the  d'.-ad  and  the  Prince  of' the  king*  of  the  earth  :  Unto 
him  that  loved  us,  and  wafhed  us  from  our  fins  in  his  own 
blood,  and  hath  made  us  kings  and  priefrs  unto  God  and  his 
Father;,  to  him  be  glory  and  dominion  forever  and  ever* 
Amen. 

The  l'olemnuy  concludes  with  an  intimation  of  Gfcrift's  fe- 
sond  appearance.  M  As  often  a*  ye  eat  this  bread;  and  drink 
this  cup,  ye  do  fhew  the  Lord's  dear  h  till  he  come."  "Why 
trouble  ye  the  woman  ?"  faid  Chrift  to  the  indignant  d»fciples» 
who  grudged  the  wafte  of  the  .ointment  which  me  poured  on 
hi-  feet,*'  tor  (he  hath  wrought  a  good  work  upon  me  ;  for  in 
that  file  hath  poured  this  ointment  on  my  body,  (he  did  it  for 
m\  buriah"  Her  pious  aft- embalmed  the  body  for  the  grave-; 
Ours  contemplates  Jefus,  anithe  refuriection  ;  ours  looks  for- 
ward to  the  day  when  "  the  So  I  of  man  fhall  come  in  the  clouds 
of  eaven  with  power  and  great  glory."  '•  Yet  a  little  while 
and  He  that  fhall  come  will  come,  and  will  not  tarry."  *'  He 
which  'eftifieth  thele  things  faith,  furefy  I  come,  quickly.  A- 
men.  Even  fo,  come  Lord  Jefus.  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jp~ 
ftis-Ghrift  be  with  you- ail.    Amen." 


LECTURE 


j"6S  HISTORY  6  if  [L<:£h  XVI, 


LECTURE     XV  L 


JOHN,   II.   1— Xlc 

And  the  third  day  there  zoas  a  marriage  in  Cana  of  Galilee  % 
and  the  mother  of  Jefus  was  there.  And  both  Jefus  was  cal~ 
led,  and  Jus  difaples,  to  the  marriage.  .  And  when  they  want- 
ed  wine,  the  mother  of  Jefus  faith  unto  him,, they  have  no  wine  ' 
Jefus  faith  unto  her,  woman,  what  have  1  to  do  with  thee  f 
Mine  hour  is  not  yet  come.  H>s  mother  faith  unto  the  fer~ 
vants,  whutfoever  he  faith  unto  you,  da  it.  And.  there  were 
fet  there  fix  water  pots  oj  /lone,  after  the  manner  of  the  purify- 
ing of  the  Jews,  containing  two  or  three  firkins  a  piec.  Jefus 
faith  unto  them,  fill  the  water -pots  with,  water.  And  they  fil- 
led them  up  to  the  brim.  And  he  faith  unto  them,  draw  out 
now,  and  bear  unto  the  Governor  of 'the  feafi.  And  they  bare 
it.  When  the  ruler  of  the  feafi  had  ta fled  the  wafer  that  was 
made  wine,  and  Anew-  not  whence  it  was,  (but  the  fervants 
which  drew  the  water  knew)  the  governor  of  the  Jeafi  called' 
tke  bridegroom, and  faith  unto  him,  every  man  at  the  beginning 
doth  fet  faith  good  wine •;  and  w  hen.  ■  men  have  well  drwk0' 
then  that  which  is  worfe  ;  but  thou  haft  kept  the  good  wine  un- 
til now.  This  beginning  of  miracles  aid  Jefus  in  Cana  of 
Galilee,  and  man'ijf led  forth  his  glory  J  and  his  difaples  bt» 
lieved  on  him. 

iT  requires  no  common  degree  of  wifdom  to  make  the  tranf- 
ition  from  various  fituations  one  to  another,  with  dignity 
and  propriety.  The  gravity  and  ferioufnefs  of  deportment 
that  fuits  the  temple  do  not  fuddenly  melt  away  into  the  fa- 
miliarity and  eafe  of  private  life.  Men  are  called  to  a6f  vari- 
ous parts,  but  often  lack  the  fkill  to  difcriminate  between 
character  and  character.  At  other  times  thejfeene  changes  too 
rapidly,  and  the  habit  of  the  public  perfonage  is  fcarcely  laid 
afide,  when  the  fpirit  ot  it  is  likewife  fhifted,  and  the  man  dif- 
'  covers  that  he  is  merely  an  a£tor.  Difference  of  behaviour 
may  undoubtedly  be  aflumed  with  change  oi  pla<:e  and  o§ 
company,  without  incurring  the  imputation  oi  hypocrify  : 
but  there  is  a  radical   character  which  the  honeft  man  "never 

lays' 


Left.   XVl.J  JESUS    CHRIST.  i6g 

l 

lays  afide,  whatever  be  the  feafon,  whatever  the  fituation.  He 
cannot  indeed  be  gay  and  ferious  at  the  fame  moment  :  but  in 
the  houfe  of  mourning  he  m  ay  be  fad  without  finking  into  de- 
predion,  and  in  the  houfe  oi  teafting  he  may  be  cheerful  with- 
•put  riling  in'o  levity.  He  can  "rejoice  with  them  that  re- 
joice, and  weep  with  them  that  weep,"  without  lofing  the 
Srmnefsof  his  mind,  or  betraying  inconfiftency  of  fpirit  and 
iemper.  In  truth,  it  you  would  be  ufeful  to  men,  you  muft  ac- 
commodate yourfelt,  where  the  rights  of  confeience  do  not 
interfere,  to  their  circumiiances,  arid  to  the  laws  of  decency 
and  prudence. 

But  where,  alas  !  (hall  we  find  the  man  who  is  continually 
on  his  guard,  who  in  every  fituation  poffeffes  his  foul,  and 
governs  his  fpirit,  and  keeps  the  door  of  his  lips  ?  In  vain  we 
-look  for  fuch  a  one  among  men  of  like  paflions  with  ourfelves. 
But  it  is  not  for  want  of  a  perfect  pattern,  in  the  perfon  of  him 
who  in  aL  places,  at  ill  feafons,  and  in  every  fituation  approv- 
ed himfelt  the  Son  oi  God  and  the  friend  of  men.  Let  this 
mind  be  in  you  which  alfo  was  in  Cliriff  Jefu*.  He  hath  left 
us  an  example  that  we  mould  follow  his  (tops.  Bleffed  Lord, 
*ve  will  follow  thee  whitheiloever  thou  goeif. 

We  have  attended  the  great  Teacher  fent  from  God  to  the 
Synagogue  at  Nazareth,  and  have  heard  him  fulfilling  the  duties 
of  that  gracious  ofhee  by  reading  and  opening  up  the  Scrip- 
lures,  arid  thus  producing  one  fpecies  of  evidence  to  the  truth 
of  his  divine  million,  the  accomplifiiment  of  ancient,  wc::- 
kndwio  and  acknowledged  prophecies  concerning  himfelf,  his 
pei  ion,  his  confecration  to  the  great  work  which  he  ihotild 
come  to  execute,  and  the  wonderful  fuccefs  with  which  it 
.ih  Mild  be  crowned.  We  have  fee  11  him  with  complacency 
beceu  iog  his  difciples  on  their  return  from  a  progrefsot  preach- 
ing and  healing,  and  of  calling  out  devils;  and  rejoicing  in 
fpirit,  as  he  contemplated  the  fudden  and  utter  defhuciion  ot 
Satan'-  kingdom,  and, on  its  ruins,  the  univerfal  and  everJaif.- 
ing  eftablirhcnent  ot  his  own.  We  are  now  to  behold  him  ex- 
hibiting a  d  fferent  bind  of  evidence,  but  calculated  to  produce 
the  fame  t  i\ct  that  is,  a  full  conviction  that  Jefus  Chnff.  was 
the  Son  ot  God,  aid  the  Saviour  ot  the  world,  namely,  the  dif- 
play  of  miraculous  powers,  to  fupoort  the  truth  of  the  doc- 
trines which  lie  taught.  This  V  N;codemus,  a  ruler  of  the 
Jews,"  fell  and  adm  tt  •  i.  M  Rabfc>i,!'  lays  he,  *  we  know  that 
thou  art  a  teacher  come  from  God  :  for  no  man  can  do  thefe 
miracles  that  thou  doeft,  exceut  God  be  with  him."  As  on 
the  two  great  commandments,  'Jove  to  God  and  love  to  man, 
.  *'  hang  all  the  !a\v  and  the  prophets,"  fo  pn  thefe  two  unmove- 

X  able 


t  jo  EP I S TOR Y   O  i?  [ Le ft .  x  vi. ' 

able  pillars  left  the  whole  fabric  of  Chriftianiiy.  The  fulfill- 
mg  ot  predi6Hon,  is  a  demon (Iration  ot  the  foreknowledge  of 
Deity,  "  declaring  the  end  from  the  beginning,  and  irom  an* 
cient  times  the  tilings  that  are  not  yet  done,  laying,  my  coun- 
jfel  (hall  ftand,  and  I  will  do  all  my  pleafure-:"  and  of  his  truth 
and  taithfuinefs  in  bringing  it  to  pais,  to  an  iota,  to  a  tittle:  and 
the  working  of  miracles  evinces  the  pre  fence  and  concunenee 
of  almighty  power,  which  is  able  to  fupport  and  to  fufpend,  to 
control  and  alter  the  laws  ot  nature,  by  a  word,  by  an  "  I 
will,"  If  the  fpirit  and  native  tendency  of  the  gofpel  be  tal^n 
into  the  account,  we  (hall  find  it  to  poflefs  every  character  ot 
Divinity  that  the  heart  oi  man  could  deiire,  or  reafon  demand, 
or  imagination  figure. 

The  period,  and  the  place,  and  the  occafion  of  Chr-ift's  fi?ft 
public  miracle  are  all  fpecified.  It  was  the  third  day  after  the 
noted  conversation  that  paifed  between  Chriil  and  Nathanael, 
which  is  recorded  in  the  conclufion  ot  the  preceding  chapter. 
There  Jefus  gave  proof  not  merely  of  fuperior  fagacity,  but  ot 
a  knowledge  that  difcerns  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the 
heart.  Nathanael,  with  all  his  guilelefs  integrity,  laboured  un- 
der the  common  prejudice  of  the  day,  and  had  the  vulgar  prov- 
erb in  his  mouth,  "  Can  there  any  good  thing  come  out  ot 
Nazareth?"  He  ibon  received  conviction  that  there  could, 
and  that  too  the  befl  of  all  things  ;  for  while  he  was  yet  (peak- 
ing to  Philip,  Chrift  himfelf  drew  nigh  to  meet  them,  and  in- 
stantly, in  thehearing  ot  Nathanael,  pronounced- a  character  of 
him  which  the  fearcher  of  hearts  only  could  have  unfolded  : 
"  Behold,  an  Ifraelite  indeed,  in  whom  is  no  guile."  Nathan- 
ael, juitly  confeious  or  inward  rectitude,  finds  h;mfelf  at  once 
reproved  and- detected.  His  farcafm  refpecting  Nazareth  not 
retorted/ but  d  if  armed  by  receiving  in  return  the  honourable 
appellation  of"  an- Ifraelite  indeed,"  was  a  keen  reproof  to  an 
ingenuous  mind  ;  and  to  find  himfelf  minutely  known  to  a 
it  ranger,  -mwft  have  infpired  high  refpect  for  that  ftranger,  not 
unmixed  with  awe.  With-aflonifhment  he  exclaims,  ■*'  Whence 
knoweir  thou  me?"  The  anfwer  completely  difplaya  the 
character  of  the  Nazarene  :  "  Before  that  Philip  called  thee, 
when  thou- watt  under  the  fig-tree,  I  faw  thee."  Here  is  an 
eye  which  at  once  penetrates  into  the  heart,  and  marks  minute, 
external  contingent  circumitances,  even  to  the  fpecies  of  plant 
under  the  fhadow  ot  which  Nathanael,  at  a  certain  moment, 
happened  to  repofe.  The  "  Ifraelite  indeed"  now  retigns  his 
prejudices  and  difmifles  his  doubts  ;  wonder  changes  into  ven- 
eration, M  Nathanael  anfwered,  and  faith  untohim,  Rabbi,  thou 

art ' 


ILeQ.  xvi.j  jesus  christ.  •i^1 

art  the  Son  of  God  ;  thou  art  the   King  of    Hrae]  :"  and    thus 
another  refpectable  difciple  is  added  to  the  School  oi  Chrift. 

Let  not  this  be  confidered  as  toreign  to  the  fubje£l  or  the 
prefent  Lecluie.  Nathanael  was,  ot  courfe,  one  of  the  invited 
guefh  io  celebrate  die  marriage  at  Cana  of  Galilee.  He  was 
there,  within  three  days,  to  behold  another  fpecies  of  demon- 
flration  of  his  Mailer's  divinity,  that  he  might  bear  wimefs  to 
it.  And  it  was  fit  that  a  man  fo  candid  and  upright  fiiould  be 
fufniihed  with  every  kind  ot  evidence,  which  could  remove 
prejudice  or  fubdue  infidelity.  He  is  not  indeed  hereafter 
mentioned  in  the  gofpel  hiflory,  but  it  fecms  highly  probable 
that  a  perfon  of  his  defcription,  was  fpecially  called  to  take  an 
acltive  part  in  propagating  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jeftis.  Some 
comme.'itatois  have  luppofed  him  to  be  the  fame  with  Barthol- 
omew, one  of  the  Twelve. 

The  place,  where  the  miracle  exhibited  the  glory  of  the  Re. 
deemer,  was  "Cana  of  Galilee,"  perhaps  to  diiiinguuh  it  from 
another  city  of  thai  name  in  Celofyri  a,  mentioned  by  Jofephus 
in  his  Jewilii  Antiquities.  It  was  fituated  in  that  part  of  the 
Holy  Land,  which  in  the  partition  under  JoflJBS,  1  11  by  lot  to 
the  tribe  of  After;  and  ftood  on  a  river  of  the  fame  name, 
which  flowed  through  part  of  the  inheritance  of  the  tribe  of 
Ephraim.-intu  the'Great  Sea.  It  was  hi'herto  a  mere  name,  or 
a  fpeck  which  might  cafually  catch  the  eye  as  it  wandered  over 
t'ne  map  of  Paleftine  ;  but  Cana  now  acquired  a  celebrity  which 
makes  her  to  rank  with  the  proudeft  of  capitals,  from  an  event 
which  will  tranfmit  her  name  to  the  lateit  pofieriry. 

The  OLcafion  was  a  marriage  -folemnity.  It  is  an  rhftifutioa 
of  Heaven  nearly  as  old  as  the  creation  :  it  was  firft  celebra- 
ted in  Paradife  ;  God  himfelf  formed  theunion,  prefided  over 
and  witnefled  the  contract,  and  pronounced  the  nuptial  benedic- 
tion. This  ftamps  a  purity,  a  dignity,  a  permanency  on  the 
ordinance,  which  man  is  bound  highly  to  refpecr.  The  great 
Interpreter  and  R.eflorer  of  .the  Law,  accordingly,  puts  honour 
upon  the  inftitution  by  his  prefence  and  countenance,  and  by 
.contributing  to  the  comfort  of  the  ailcmbly  convened  on  this 
happy  occafion,  by  the  charms  of  his  converfation,  and  by  a 
feafon^ble  fupply  of  one  ingredient  in  a  feaft  :  and  he  after- 
wards vindicated  the  primitive  fan&ity  of  marriage  from  the 
hrregularity  and  impurity  which  the  hardnefs  of  the  human 
heait  had  conftrained  even  a  Mofes  to  permit,  at  lead  to  con- 
nive at.  "  Have  ye  not  read,  that  he  which  made  them  at  the 
beginning,  made  them  male  and  female  ;  and  laid,  for  this  caufe 
fii  1 1 1  a  man  leave  father  and  mother,  and  Hull  cleave  to  his  wife; 
ftnd  they  twain  fhall  be  one  flefh  ?  Wherefore  they  are  no  more 

twaiu. 


r?2  history  c?  [Leel.  XVI, 

twain,  but  one  fiefn.     What,  therefore,   God  hath  joined  tc 
gether,  let  no  man  put  alunder.  - 

John  the  Baptifl  incurred  the  imputation   of  being  pofTefled 
with  a  devil,  because  he  was  a  man  of   more    auflere    manners, 
and  of  a  more  fequeftered  mode  of  living  ;  becaufe  he  "  came 
neither  eating  bread  nor  drinking  wine. "    His   dvvine   Mailer* 
more  gentle  in  deportment,  more  affable  acceihble,  and conde- 
fcending.  becaufe  he  mixed  with  fociety,    becaufe   he   "came 
eating  and  drinking,"  is  by  the   felf-fame   perfons    reorefented 
as  "  a  gluttonous  man,  and  a  wine-bibber,  a  friend  of  publicans 
and  fi nuers. "    Where  there  is  a  difpofitibn  to  cenfure,  no  puri- 
ty  nor  prudence  can  efcape/'  'Nothing  can  pleafe  the  peeviih 
children  in  the  market  place.     It  their  fellows  excite   them    to 
dunce  by  the  found  of  the  pipe,  they  aredifpofed  to  look  grave 
and  mourn  :  if  their  companions  are  in  a   ferious   mood,  it  ia 
with  them  a  time  to  dance.' •    You   cannot   tell   where*"  to   find 
them.     It  is  not,  at  the  fame  time,  a  mark  or  wifdom  to  brave 
the  opinion  or  the  world  ;  but  wo  be  to  that  man    whole   con- 
dutf  has  no  better  regulator  than  either  popular  opinion,  or  the 
decifions  of  a  felf-conitituted  cenfor.     Chnll   has  by    example 
taught  his  difciples  to  feek,  and  to  take  opportunities  of    being 
ufeful,  whatever  con flrucTion  may  be  put    upon   it   by    malig- 
nant obfervers, 

*'  The  mother  of  Jefus  was  there,"  apparently,  as  one  of  the 
family,  who  took  an  interefl  in  the  credit  of  her  relations,  and" 
toalhft  in  attending  to  the  comfort  and  accommodation  of  the 
guefts  ;  for  we  find  her  watching  o<  er  the  expenditure  of  the 
provifion*  and  devifmg  the  m-ans  of  fupply  when  it  mould 
fail.  But  Jefus  and  his  difciples  were  among  the  perfons  fpe- 
cially  invited. "" As  the  aim  of  the  Kvangelift  is  (imply  to  de- 
tail the  circum fiances  relating  to  the  miracle,  every  thing 
foreign  to  this  is  fuppreffed.  This  remark  is  applicable  to  the 
facred  writers  in  general.  They  prefent  the  leading  obje£t  in 
Its  iirongeft  features,  leave  it  to  make  its  native  lmpreffion,  and- 
pafs  from  it  without  exclaiming,  without  parade,  without  a 
commentary.  On  the  other  hand,  where  minutenefs  of  de- 
f'ciiption  and  enumeration  isneceffary  or  of  importance,  all  is 
examined  with  a  microfcopic  eye,  and  beauties  difclofe  them- 
felves  to  clofenefs  of  inveitigation  which  the  carelefs  glance 
bad  overlooked. 

Whether  the  company  had  proved  more  numerous  than 
was  expecled,  or  whether  a  provifion  too  fcanty  had  been 
made,  but  in  the  middle  of  the  banquet  wine  failed.  Things 
which  are  in  fhemfeives,  and  as  far  as  man  is  concerned,  mere- 
ly contingent,  are  predtfpofed  and  produced  by  a  fpecial    in- 

terpofition 


Lea.  XVI.]  JESUS    CHRISSV 

tcrpofuion  of  divine  Providence,  to  fulfil  fbme   valuable   pur- 
pofe.     This  little  awkwardnefs  of   domeilic   arrangement    tur- 
-nifhed  occafion  fdr  a  grand  difplay  ot    almighty    power.     The 
deficiency  was  obferved  by  the  mother  of  Jefus,  who  commu- 
nicated it  tbrhim  as*  (imply   a   jemark   of  her   own.     But 
"not  the  cotiimunieatiori  partake  of  the  nature  of  requeft,  of  ex- 
peHation,  ot  fuggeftion  ?  "  They  have  no  wine;"    Is  not  this 
faying,    can  nothing  be  done  to  lave  the  credit  ot  the  family? 
They  will  fafler  in  the  eflimation  of  their  friends,  as  too  parfi- 
monious  at  a    feafon  ot    fefuvity  It  kef  he  prefent.     Can  ft  thou 
'.'ind  no  fupply  ?  There  muft,    undoubtedly,   have   been  fome- 
thing  oflenfive  in  her  meaning  or  mode  ot  exprefTion,   for  fhe 
meets  with  a  reproof.     And  the  mildeft  cenfure  from  fuch  lips 
»'s  a  mark  ot  difplealurel     As   to  Nalhanael  before,  f'o  to  Mary 
now  he  gives  proof  that  he  could  read  in  the  heart,  what  had 
not  yet  fallen  from  the  tongue :  "  Jefus  faith  unto  her,  Woman, 
what  have  I  to  do    with    thee?  mine   hour   is   not  yet  come." 
m  Woman  :"  we  are  not  to  eftimate  the  fpirit  and  import  of  this 
term  of  addrefs  by    the    refinement  of  our  modern   ideas  and 
manners.     A  Britifh  lemale  ot  very  middling  rank  would  con- 
fider  herfelf  as  very  highly  infulted  to  be  thus  abruptly  accoft- 
ed  by  an  equal,  from  an  interior  it  would  be  intolerable,  and 
even  in  a  ftiperior  it  would  be  refented.     But  it  was  the  appel- 
lation   by  which  'princes  addreffed  themfelves  to  ladies  of  the 
iiigheft  rank,  and  vvhich  even    Oaves  employed  in  'peaking  to 
their  miitreiTes,  for  it  marks  refpeel  not  familiarity.     And  we 
have  a  demonftratlOfi,  in  the  prefent  cafe,  that  it  could  implv 
no  hing  harfh   or  unkind,   for  it  is  Jefus  who  ufes  the  word  in 
fpeaking  to  his  mother.     On  an  occafion  frill  more  tender  and 
mterefling,    when  foyereign  love  was  in  its  triumph,   and  dic- 
tated every  exprefTion  ;  when  his  crofs  was  furrounded  by  fomc. 
ot  the  perions  who  witneiTed  the  miracle  of  Cana  of   Galilee; 
this  converfation  took  place  :  ;t  When  Jefus,  therefore,  faw  bis 
mother,  and  the   difciple  Handing  by  whom  he  loved,  he  faith, 
unto  bis    mother,  Woman,  behold  thy  fori  !  Then  faith  he  to 
the  difcipie.  behold  thy  mother  !  And  from  that  hour  that  dif- 
ciple took  ii  r  unto  his  own  home."     Here  was  (he  dying  effo- 
fion  of  filial  affection  :  M  Woman,  behold  thy  fon." 

11  What  have  I  to  do  with  thee."  This  ius  an  air  of  feverity, 
and  probably  was  intended  to  check'encroachment.  T here  is 
a  point  beyond  which  parental  authority  itfelf  mult  not  prefume 
to  go.  At  the  age  of  twelve1,  excefs  ot  matern  d  folicitude  re- 
ceived a  mild  rebuke:  "  How  is  it  that  ye  fought  me  ?  will  ye 
not  that  I  mult  be  about  my  Father's  bufinefs?"  Neverthelefs 
"he  went  down  with  them"  from  the  temple,    "and  came  to 

Nazareth, 


t*;$4  history  of  [Left,  xv^ 

-Nazareth,  and  was  fubjeft  unto  them."  But  to  the  man  of 
thirty  even  a  mother  mud  not  prefume  to  chelate,  or  fo  much 
£s  inhnuate,  The  words  of  the  original  have  by  fome  been 
differently  tranflated;  and  Jefus  is  made  to  lay,  in  reply  to  his 
mother's  obfervation,  "  they  have  no  wine,"  "  What  is  that  to 
■me  and  thee?"  What  does  it  concern  us  whether  there  be  wine 
or  not?  Such  a  queflion  is  little  in  the  fpirit  of  Chrift,  who 
took  a  condefcending  and  an  affectionate  intereft  in  q\\  the  in- 
firmities and  diftreffes  incident  to  humanity,  and  to  whom 
.nothing  could  be  indifferent  which  tended  to  promote  the  com- 
fort ot  others;  and  the  fequel, plainly  {hews,  that  he  actually 
cherifhed  thofe  kind  affeclions,  and  expreffed  them  in  a  man- 
ner peculiar  to  himfelf.  It  is  more  natural  to  adopt  our  com- 
mon verfion,  confiftent  as  it  is/with  the  fame  fenfe  of  the  phrafe 
in  a  variety  ot  other  paffages.  "  The  devils  coming  out  ot  the 
tombs  exceeding  fierce,"  in  the  country  ot  the  Gergefenes, 
exclaim,  "  What  have  we  to  do  with  thee,  Jefus,  thou  Son  of 
God  ?"  Meaning  evidently  ;  "  We  are  afraid  of  thee  ;  let  us 
alone;  we  de fire  no  acquaintance  with  thee  ;  art  thou  come 
hither  to  torment  us  before  the  time?"  The  feventy  interpre- 
ters tranflate  the  Hebrew  idiom  in  the  fame  phrafeology  and 
fpirit,  in  a  great  many  paffages.  Thus  Jephthah  addreffed  the 
king  ot  Ammon,  "  What  haft  thou  to  -do  with  me  ?"  faying 
plainly,  "I  with  no  intercourfe;  we.  can  -have,  nothing  in  com- 
mon ;  Wherefore  mould  we  go  to  war  together  ?"  And  thus, 
not>to  multiply  inftances,  David  laid  to  Abifhai,  when  he  pro- 
profed  to  go  over  and,  in  cold  blood,  to  cut  off  Shimei's  head, 
"  What  have  I  to  do  with  you,  ye  fons  of  Zeruiah  ?"  "  I  like 
not  your  fpirit;  I  want  no  fuch  triumph  ;  let  God's  will  be 
done  :  you  are  taking  his  work  out  of  his  hand,  and  are  decid- 
ing nattily  .when  you  ought  to  wait  patiently."  This  is  entire- 
ly in  the  fpirit  of  the  paffage  before  us.  "  Woman,  what  have 
I  to  do  with  thee?"  "  Intrude  not;  prefcribe  not;  I  knowT 
what  is  fit  for  me  to  do ;  all  my  movements  are  already  fet- 
tled." In  this  view  all  is  of  a  piece  ;  all  breathes  the  fpirit  of 
rneeknefs;  there  is  the  majefly  of  Deity,  and  there  is  the  uni- 
ted firmnefs  and  mildnefs  of  the  man. 

If  there  be  any  thing  like  fternnefs  in  the  queflion,  "  What 
have  I  to  do  with  thee  ?"  it  is  funk  in  the  folemn  affeveration 
concerning  himfelf  :  ,(  mine  hour  is  not  yet  come."  The  hour 
ot  a  man's  birth,  of  his  baptifm,  of  his  majority,  of  his  marriage, 
of  his  death,  is  an  epoch  ot  fingular  importance  both  to  him- 
felf and  others.  We  meafure  time,  we  know  its  value,  and  we 
trifle  with  it.  With  an  experience  ot  its  neceffary  lapfe,  and 
with  the  certain  knowledge  that  no  moment   can  be  refponfi- 

ble 


Left;  xvi.]  jeSiTs  christ:  ^g 

He  for  the  debt  of  its  predeceffor,  having  enough  to  do  with* 
itfelf,  the  thoughtiefs  fons  of  men  will  be  drawing  on  a  dav* 
Which  they  are  never  to  fee,  and  they  fport  with  borrowed 
property  as  if  it  were  their  own.  The  wile  man,  in  the  lace  or' 
this  reckoning  oHolly  and  madnefs,  ftates  the  jufl  account  of 
the  expenditure  and  ufe  of  time  :  "  There  is  a  feafon,  and  a» 
time  to  every  purpofe  under  the  heaven."  But  we  look  up 
to  Him  who  is  wifer  than  the  wifeft,  that  we  may  learn  l« 
meafure  time,  to  underftand  the  value  of  a  day,  and  to  improve" 
the  flying  hour,  which  is  gone  before  we  are  fenfible  that  it 
has  come. 

t%  Mine  hour  is  not  yet  come."  It  is  an  expreflion  applied 
to  various  events  of  Chrift's  life  and  miniftry.  When  his  un- 
believing brethren  urged  him,  by  way  of  defiance,  to  go  up  to 
Jerufalem  at  the  feaft  of  tabernacles,  and  there  make  3n  open 
difplay  of  his  miraculous  powers,  this  was  his  reply:  ••  My' 
time  is  not  yet  come — Go  ye  up  unto  this  feaft  :  Igo  not  up 
unto  this  feaft  ;  for  my  time  is  not  yet  full  come  ;"  intimating, 
that  all  his  movements  and  operations  were  regulated  to  a 
moment,  and  therefore  could  nehher  be  hunied  forward  nor 
retarded.  When  he  did  go  up  to  Jerufalem,-  and  taught  opem- 
ly  in  the  temple,  though  his  plainnefs  and  fidelity  gave  much, 
offence*  it  is  remarked  that  "  no  man  laid  hands  on  him  ;  for 
his  hour  was  not  ye:  come  :"  that  is,  the  hour  of  his  apprehen- 
fion,  trial  and  condemnation.  When  the  devout  Greeks  who 
had  come  to  worihip  in  the  temple,  defired  an  interview  with" 
him,  Jefus  faid  to  his  difciples  ;  '«  The  hour  is  come  that  the- 
Son  of  man  fhould  be  glorified  ■"  meaning  the  dawn  of  the 
gofpel  day  upon  the  gentile  world.  But  while  he  rejoiced  inu 
fpirit,  as  he  contemplated  that  aufpicious  hour,  he  faw  it  lead- 
ing to  another  and  a  darker  hour,  the  hour  of  fuflering  and 
death.  The  profpe6l  fpreads  a  tranfient  cloud  over  the  fereni- 
ty  of  his  mind,  and  he  faid  :  "  Now  is  my  foul  troubled  :  and 
what  mail  I  fay  ?  Father,  lave  me  from  this  hour."  Thus  far 
the  man  of  finlefs  infirmity.  But  the  cloud  pafTes  away,  fe- 
renity  is  reftored  and  the  hour  of  forrow  is  loft  in  contemplat- 
ing the  glory  that  fhould  follow,  the  accomplifhment  of  his 
heavenly  Father's  purpofe  of  mercy,  in  the  redemption  of  a  loft 
world  :  "  but  for  this  caufe  came  I  unto  this  hour.  Father, 
glorify  thy  name."  When  his  "  time  was  full  come"  that  he 
fhould  glorify  God  by  his  death,  with  heavenly  compofure 
11  Jefus  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  faid,  Father  the  hour  is  come  ; 
glorify  thy  Son,  that  thy  Son  alfo  may  glorify  thee."  Thu.x 
every  ftep  of  the  Redeemer's  progrefs  was  weighed,  meafured, 

eftabliflied 


276'  history   o?  [Lea.  xvi. 

efiabiifhed  by  an  antecedent  counfel  incapable  of  being   over*"' 
thrown  or  of  failing.  ...  > 

His  mother,  though  reproved,  is  not  wholly  difcourage<5i 
She  perceives  that  whatfoever  he  did  muft  be  done  at  his  own 
time  and  in  his  own  way,. and  therefore  enjoins  the  fervants 
carefully  to  attend  to  whatever  he  fhonld  fay  unto  them. 

The  ablutions,  at  this,  period,  ,  praciifed  among  the  Jews,, 
were  carried  to  an  ab-urd  and  fuperftitious  excefs.  The  law 
had  indeed  prefcribed  certain  warnings,  which  nature  herfeli 
points  out  as  conducive  to  health,  c'eanlinefs  and  comfort ;.' 
but  tradition  had  multiplied  thcfe  without  end  ;  they  had  ac- 
quired an  authority  paramount  to  that  or  law,  and  the  primary 
duties  of  liie  were  funk  in  an  affected  attention  to  external  pu- 
rity. "  The  Phanfees,"  fays  St.  Mark,  "  and  all  the  Jews, 
except  they  wafh  their  hands  oft  cat  nor,  holding  the  tradition 
of  the  elders.  And  when  they  come  from  the  market,  except 
they  warn  they  eat  not.  And  many  other  things  there  be  which 
they  have  received  to  hold,  as  the  Watting  of  cups,  and  pots, 
brafen  vefTels,  and  of  tables."  This  drew  upon  ihem  a  fevere 
cenfure  from  the  lips  of  Jefus  Chnft.  He  charges  them  with 
the  vile  ft  hypocrify,  in  M  teaching  for  doclrines  the  command- 
ments of  men."  "  For,"  fays  he,  "  laying  andethe  command- 
ment of  Gods  ye  hold  the  tradition  of  men,  as  the  warning  of 
pots  and  cups  :  and  many  other fuch  like  things  ye  do."  "Full 
well  ye  rejecl  the  commandment  of  God,  that  ye  may  keep 
your  own  tradition."  He  then  produces,  as  an  inflance,  their 
open  and  avowed  violation  of  the  fifth  precept  of  the  deca- 
logue, engraven  by  nature  on  the  heart  of  man,  and  proclaimed 
from  Sinai  by  the  mouth  of  God.  The  unnatural  child  had 
but  by  a  vow  to  devote  his  fub  fiance  to  a  pretendedly  facred 
purpofe,  in  order  to  be  for  ever  rcleafed  from  all  obligation  to 
aflift  aged  or  decayed  parents.  Thus  a  punctilious  attention 
to  warning  the  body  could  be  reconciled  to  a  deliberate  pur- 
pofe of  hardening  the  heart.  Thefe  copious  and  frequent  ablu- 
tions account  for  the  large  prbvifion  of  water  made  for  themar- 
riage  feaft.  "  There  were  fet  fix  water-pots  of  ftone,  after  the 
manner  of  the  purifying  of  the  Jews,  containing  two  or  three 
firkins  apiece."  To  pretend  to  afcenain  the  quantity,  by  the 
.names  of  ancient  meafurernent,  would  be  nugatory  and  abiurd. 
If  the  thing  could  be  done,  what  profit  would  arife  from  it  ? 
It  is  not  we*i  known  that  all  the  wifdom  of  the  British  legifla- 
ture,  though  frequently  exerted,  has  hitherto  been  unable  to-' 
eftablifh  a  ilandard  of  weights  and  meafures  for  the  fouthern 
divifion  of  this  little  ifland  ?  The  precife  quantity  is  left  in  in- 
tentional bbfeurity,  by  the  ufe  of  the  indefinite  expreilion  twc 

MP  ' 


he&.   XVI.J  JESUS  CHRIST.  1*ry 

.or  three,  it  is  fufficient  for  us  to  know  that  the  fupply  was  very- 
con  fiderable.  The  expenditure  of  water,  at  this  advanced  pe- 
riod of  tne  teaft,  mull  have  been  great.  Jefus  determined  to 
make  thofe  partially  exhaufted  veffels  the  medium  of  his  in- 
tended miracle.  To  have  replenished  the  empty  wine  veffels 
'might  excite  fufpicion  of  coilufion-  but  into  water-cifterns 
for  purifying,  wine  never  entered,  and  therefore  no  doubt  could 
arife  He,  then,  who  could  have  trar^formed  the  bottom  of  a 
drv  ciftern  into  a  fountain  of  water,  or  of  wine,  at  his  pleafure, 
commands  the  fervants  to  "  fill  the  water-pots  with  water,  And 
they  filled  them  up  to  the  brim." 

The  miracle  is  already  performed.  Ey  an  unfeen,  unper- 
•  ceived  energy  ;  without  a  word  fpoken,  without  a  gefture,  by 
a  (imple  act  of  the  will,  plain  water  is  inflantaneoufiy  convert- 
ed into  wine  of  the  fineit  quality.  What  dignified  fimplicity  - 
what  unaffe&ed  majefty  !  A  fa6t  fo  very  extraordinary  is  nar- 
rated with  no  more  pomp  of  language  than  the  molt  common 
procefs  oi  nature.  He  now  desires  the  attendants,  hitherto  the 
only  witneifes  of  this  wonderful  change,  to  draw  off  fome  of 
die  wine,  and  bear  it  to  thegovernor  of  the  feaff,  at  the  mo- 
ment when  the  deficiency  began  to  be  felt;  Thus  every  fupply 
which  comes  immediately  from  the  hand  of  Providence  is  at 
once  feafonable,  falutary,  and  excellent  in  its  kind.  What  comes 
through  the  channel  of  men  like  ourfelves  mufl  of  ncceflity 
have  a  mixture  of  their  impurity  and  imperfection. 

With  us  the  mailer  of  the  houfe  is  alio  the  governor  of  the 
feaft.  It  is  his  concern  to  fee  that  his  friends  be  properly 
accommodated  and  fupplied.  But  among  the  Jews  an  officer 
•of  this  description  was  appointed  to  prefide,  whether  elected 
.«by  the  company,  named  by  the  bridegroom,  or  conlfituted  by 
public  authority,  whofe  bufinefs  it  was  to  pronounce  a  bene- 
diction on  what  was  provided,  and  who,  when  the  cup  was 
bleffed,  fir  ft  drank  cf  it  hin::e!f,  and  then  pa  (fed  it  round  the 
table.  In  compliance  wi«h  this  cr.ltom,  jefus  directed  the 
•Jirit-truits  of  this  mini  l-  t  >  be  carried  to  him  to  pafs  : 
tnent.  He  inllantly  perceives  the  difference,  though  ignorant 
of  the  procefs  ;  and  m  f  irprife  addreiles  himlelf  to  the  bride- 
•groom,  whofe  it  was  to  pre  'are  the  entertainment,  and  to  de- 
4ray  tne  expenfe,  iti  theie  words  ;  "  Every  man  at  the  begin- 
ning doth  let  forth  gcod  wine  ;  and  when  men  have 
dru\»k,then  that  which  is  worle  :  but  thou  haft  kept  the  good 
wine  until  how.1'  Though  this  too  may  not  perfectly  coincide 
•with  modern  manners,  it  exhibits  a  picture  of  the  common 
eice  in  that  country  and  in  that  age  ;  and  it  led  to  a  diicov- 
t       if  the  wbvle  r-y  (texv,  and  Jefus  flood  con  fe  fled  the  Son  at 

God. 


1/u  HISTORY   or  PUft.  XVI* 

God,  the  Lord  of  univerfal  nature,  the  fearcher  of  hearts,  the 
ruler  of  elements,  the  friend  and  brother  of  mankind.  "  This 
beginning  of  mitacles  did  Jefns  in  Cana  of  Galilee,  and  mani- 
f-efled  forth  his  glory  ;  and  his  difciples  believed  on  him." 

Many  and  ufeful  are  the  practical  reflections  which  flow 
from  this  fubject.     Permit  me  to  fugged  tome  of  them. 

j.  The  religion  of  Jefus  Chi  ill  embraces  the  whole  circle 
of  duty;  Duties  are  of  various  orders  and  importance.  Some 
are  effrntial  and  indifpenfabie,  others  are  agreeable  and  orna- 
mental ;  as  in  a  well-conftrutled  edifice  tt  ere  are  parts  abfo- 
lutely  neceffary  to  its  exigence,  and  there  are  parts  which 
might  be  removed  indeed'  without  affecting  the  folidity  and 
durablenefs  of  the  fabric,  but  the  removal  would  greatly  im- 
pair its  elegance  and  beauty.  So  in  'he  fcale  of  morals  there 
are  the  weightier  matters  of  the  law,  judgment,  mercy  and 
f a i f h  ;  and  there  are  obligations  of  an  inferior  order  ;  though 
highly  important  in  the  commerce  of  human  life  ;  fuch  as 
gcntlenefs,  courtefy,  affability,  fympathy.  Of  both  ranks  of 
duty  our  bleffed  Lord  fei  the  happieft  example.  He  mixed 
with  mankind,  he  partook  of  their  griefs  and  their  joys,  he  fat 
down  at  their  tables,  he  affiftea  at  their  nuptial  feftivity,  he  in- 
dulged in  the  mutual  endearments  of  friendfhip,  he  paid  at- 
tention tolirtle  children,  took  them  to  his  arms  and  bleffed  them. 
Difciple  of  Jefus,  go  thou  and  do  like  wife.  Ill  does  it  become 
thee  to  be  {lately,  and  diftantrand  refer  ved  and  ungracious,  when 
he  was  fo  meek  and  condescending.  There  are  certain  auf- 
tere  Christians  who  will  on  no  occasion,  and  on  no  accourK, 
defcend  from  the  pinnacle  of  their  dignity,  and  who  render  re- 
ligion dtfgufhng  to  others  by  the  harfhnefs  of  their  manners, 
and  a  feverc,  morofe,  ungainly  deportment.  This  they  can- 
not have  learned  of  Chrift,  nor  at  his  old  fchool.  Will  they" 
vouchsafe  to  take  a  leffon  from  the  apoflle  Paul,  who  under- 
stood Ins  own  real  dignity  as  well  as  any  man  ?  "  Mind  not 
high  things,  but  condefcend  to  men  01  low  effate."  And 
I  beg  leave  to -add,  from  him  :  "  Be  not  wile  in  your  own  con- 
ceits." 

2.  Jefus  himfelf  was  all  purity  and  per  feci  ion,  but  the 
mother  of  Jefus  was  fubjeft  to  culpable  infirmity.  She  incur- 
red cenfure  oftener  than  once,  and  therefore  is  not  to  be  look- 
ed up  to  as  a  perfecf  model,  much  lefs  to  receive  the  adora- 
tion which  is  due  to  Deity  alone.  It  is  one  of  the  mofir  hu- 
miliating views  of  human  underflanding,  to  behold  it  fo  far 
degraded  as  to  think  of  approaching  the  great  interceffor  and 
iiriend  of  mankind,  through  the  interccflion  of  another. 
44  There  is  one  God,"  faith  the  Scripture,  and  one  "  Mediator 

between- 


£,ecr,.   XVI.]  JESUS   CHRIST.  |« 

between  God  and  men,  the  man  Chrift  Jefus."     No,  fays  pope- 
ry,   you   muft  have  a  mediatrix  between  you  and  that  Medi- 
ator ;    nay,  one   armed    with    authority  to   control    and     com- 
mand him.     The  mind  turns  away  with  horror  from  the    blaf- 
phemous  fuggeftion.     The  rights  ot  parents    have    a      bounda- 
ry, both   as    to    extent   and   duration,   th<^   authority     of   God 
knows  no  limit,  and  never  can   expire.     Wh-en    h:s   voice    is 
heard,  that  ot  nature  mull  be   fuppreifed.     The    duties   ot   the 
public  character  muftabforb  the  feelings  of  the  private    indi- 
vidual.    We  may    warrantably   lay  before  our.  companionate 
Redeemer  our  molt  fecret  thoughts,  and  pour  but   our     hearts 
before  him  in  prayer  and  fupphcation,  in    perfect,    fubmiffion 
to  his  will  ;   but  we  mutt:  not  prefurae  either  to  preTcribe  to  his 
providence,  or  to  arraign  his   conduct.     He    doeth  all     things 
wifely  and  well. 

3.  Every  creature  of  God  is  good,  and  nothing  to  be  refufed, 
ii  it  be  received  with  thankfgiving  :    tor   "  it    is   fanctified    by 
the  word  ot  God  and  prayer."     Whether  therefore  God    fup- 
plies  the  good  things  ot  lite  in  the  ordinary    courfe    of  nature, 
or  by  a  fpecial  interpofition  of  his   almighty    power,    they   are 
liberally  bellowed,  they  are  the  bounty  ot  a  Father,  to  be  ufed, 
to  be  enjoyed.     When  God  placed  our  grand  progenitor  in  the 
terre final  paradife,  the  parental  giant  was   large  :    *'  Ot   every 
tree  ot  the  garden  thou  mayeft  freely  eat ;"  but  with  one  fingle 
refer  vat  ion;  "But  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil 
thou  fhalt  not  eat  of  it  :  for  in  the  day  that  thou  eateit    thereof 
thou  fhalt  furely  die."     We  are  Itill  on  the  fame  tooting,    in  a 
world  which  has  indeed  ceafed  to    be    a    paradife,    but   which, 
nevertheleis,  is  ltill  abundantly  Itored  with  ev'ery  thing   necef- 
iary,  convenient,  and  comfortable  for  man.     The  grant  is  (fill 
as  liberal  :  "  The  good  ot  the  land  is  betore  you  :"   take,  thou 
mayeft  treely  eat,  freely  drink.      But,    mark    the   reicivation, 
ifill  indifpenfable  as  ever,   eat,    drink,    in   moderation,    to   the 
iupport  and  retrelhment  ot  the    body,   not   its   de predion    and 
derangement.     To  a  certain  bound  this  is  cordial  falutary,  nu- 
tritive :   beyond,  its  nature  changes,  it  :eco:ne-  a    deadly    poi- 
fon.     Satisty  thy  felt  with  knowing  its  good,   and   venture  not, 
to  make  trial  of  its  evil.     Did  Jefus  convert  water    into   wine 
that  he  might  minifler  fuel  to  excefs  ?  The   thought    is   impi- 
ous.    As  well  might  a  bountitul  providence  be   charged    with 
^ie  gluttony, the  diunkennefs  and  all  the  other  fenfual  iufls    in 
which  men  indulge  them  (elves,  becaufe  it  *'  gives  us  rain  tiom 
heaven  and  fruitful  feafons,  filling  our   beans   with  food   arid 
gjadnefs."      The   miracle  of  Cana  of  Galilee,   as   all  thofe 
which  our  Lord  wrought,  was  a  miracle  ot  goodnefs  ;  it   pro- 

V!;: 


&o  .    LSTdtfY  e  [Left;   XVI* 

viced  a  fupply  of  a  neceffary  of  life,  to  a  family  in  moderate 
eircumftances,  and  which  Iafled  them,  I  doubt  not,  for  many, 
days  :  it  was  the  repayment  ot  a  debt  of  fri^ndffiip  and  hofpi- 
tality  in  a  manner  peculiar  to  himfelf;  and  it  was  a  manifeffa- 
tion  of  his  glory  in  the  eyes  of  his  difciples,  who  had  far  oth- 
er thoughts  than  that  ofabufi-ng  their  Maker's  bounty;  "  they 
believed  on  him." 

4.  We  have  faid  that  this  and  all  out  Saviour's  other  mir- 
acles were  miracles  ofgoodnefs  :  We  now  add,  They  were  all 
difinterefted.  He  here  gave  proof  of  fovereignty  uncontrola- 
ble.  It  was-exerciied  to  fupply  the  temporal  wants  of  a  few, 
and  to  minifter  to  the  everlaifing  confolation  of  myriads. 
But  "  Chrift  pleafed  not  himfelf."'  What  might  not  hi.-,  pow- 
er have  commanded,  of  all  that  is  exquifite  on  the  earth,  in  the 
air,  through  the  paths  of  the  fea  ?  But  though  an  hungred,  he 
will  not  command  ftones  to  be  made  bread  for  his  own  ufe  ; 
if  he  miraculoufly  multiply  a  few  loaves  and  fillies,  it  is  to  feed 
a  ftarving;  fainting  multitude;  If  he  makes  the  fea  tributary,  it 
is  at  one  time  to  compensate  the  painful  labour  of  poor  men, 
who  had  "  toiled  all  night  and  taken  nothing,"  at  another,  to 
prevent  offence  by  paying  his  tribute  Money.  Fifh  broiled 
on  a  me  of  coals,  and  a  morfel  of  bread,  are  the  fimple  fare 
on  which  he  and  his  diiciples  dine,  even  "  alter  that  he  was 
rifen  from  the  dead."  "  Foxes  have  holes,  and  birds  of  the 
air  have  nefts  ;  but  the  Son  of  man  hath  not  where  to  lay  his 
head."  «'  They  that  wear  foft  clothing  are  in  kings'  houfes  ;" 
His  clothing  was  not  worth  dividing  among  a  few  ot  the  baf- 
eft  of  mankind  :  His  raiment,  his  lodging,  his  fare  were  all 
of  a  piece.  And  is  the  fervant  greater  than  his  Lord  ?  To  the 
poor  the  Gofpel  is  preached,  and  to  the  poor  the  example  is 
fet,  the  example  of  contentment  with  a  low  condition,  of  meek 
iubmiffion  to  hardfhip,  of  fuperiority  to  the  vanities  and  lux- 
uries of  this  world,  of  fell-government  and  felf-denial.  His 
modern  difciples  have  been  accufed  ol  iove  of  eafe  and  indul- 
gence, of  fondnffs  for  dainties  and  delicacies,  of  aiming  at 
power  and  pre-eminence.  If  the  imputation  be  juft,  it  is  to 
be  lamented  :  and  Chriilians  of  every  rank  and  denomina- 
tion are  concerned,  as  far  as  in  them  lies,  to  do  it  away.  If 
it  be  ill-founded,  it  muff  be  borne,  as  part  of  the  reproach  of 
Chrift  ;  and  his  difciple  muft  bear  in  mind  that  he  is  bound  by 
the  law  and  by  the  practice  of  his  divine  Mailer,  not  only  to 
abftain  from  all  evil,  but  from  all  appearane  of  evil. 


LECTURE 


Left.  XVII.]  JESUS    CHRIST,  iSi 


LECTURE      XVII, 


LUKE,    IV.   38 — 44. 

And  he  arofe  out  of  the  fynagogue,  and  entered  into  Simon's 
houfe  :  and  Simon's  wife's  mother  zvas  taken  with  a  great  fe- 
ver \  and  they  be  fought  him  for  her.  And  he  flood  over  her, 
and  rebuked  the  fever  \  and  it  left  her.  And  immediately  fhe 
arofe,  and  mimflerea  unto  them.  Now,  when  the  fun  was  fet- 
ting,  all  they  that  had  any  fie  A  with  divers  difeajes  brought 
them  unto  him  ;  and  he  'aid  his  hands  on  every  one  oj  them, 
and  healed  them.  And.  devils  aifo  came  out  of  many,  crying 
cut,  and  faying,  thou  art  Chrifl,  the  Son  of  God.  Andhe,  re. 
buking  them,  fnjfered  them  not  to  J  peak  :  for  they  knew  that 
he  was  Chrifl.  And  when  it  was  day  he  departed,  and  went 
into  a  dejert  place  ;  and  the  people  fought  him,  and  came  unto 
him,  and  flayed  him,  that  he  flwuld  not  depart  from  them. 
And  he  faid  unto  them,  I  mufi  preach  the  kingdom  of  God  to 
other  cities  alfo  s  for  therefore  am  I fent.  And  lie  preached  in 
the  fynagegues  oj  Galilee, 

THE  religion- of  the  Gofpel  is  adapted  to  every  poflible 
condition  of  life,  For  it  is  adapted  to  the  nature  of  man, 
who,  with  the  variation  of  a  lew  circumftances,  is  ihe  fame 
univerfally,  and  in  every  age.  There  is  the  difference  of 
colour  and  fpeech,  the  difference  of  climate  and  foil,  the  dif- 
ference of  high  and  low,  of  rich  and  poor  ;  but  {"fill  it  is 
man,  with  all  his  excellencies  and  imperfections,  with  all  his 
capability  or  degradat  on  and  of  improvement,  with  all  his  pro- 
pen  Pities  to  evil  and  to  good.  Chriitianity  takes  him  up  as  he 
is,  and  undertakes  to  mike  him  what  he  ought  to  !;e.  •'  Can 
the  Ethiopian  change  his  colour  or  the  leopard  his  fpots  ?'' 
No,  replies  nature,  I  gave  that  colour,  1  painted  thpfe  fpots  ; 
but  I  cannot  undo  my  own  work.  He  that  is  black  mud,  for 
me,  continue  black  ftill,  that  which  is  fpotted  mult  be  fpotted 
Hill.  But  the  grace  of  the  Gofpel  unfold?  a  myifery  which  it 
is  beyond  the  reach  of  nature  to  folve.  It  transforms  that 
which  was  as  fcarlet  into  the  -  hitenefs  of  fnow,  what  was  red 
like  crimfon  into  the  colour  ot  wool.  "  Can  thefe  dry  bones 
live  ?"  Yes,  at  the  word,  and  by  the  fpiritof  the  Loid.  Mir- 
acles 


$$  history   ©#  [Lett,  xyir. 

acles  like    thefe  the  Spirit  of  Chrift    is  exhibiting   every   day. 
iDo  we  not  fee  :  O  that   the    fpeclacle    were    more   common* 
Bo  we  not  fee  lofttnefs  of  ftation  united  to  lowlinefs  ot  mind  ;. 
a  hard  lot  to  a  contented  fpirit  ;   the  fulnefs  of   this   world    to  ' 
the  exceeding  riches  of  the  grace'of  God  ? 

When  the  Son  of  Qod  came  for  the  falvation  ofa  lofl  world, 
"  verily  he  took  not  on  him  the  nature  of  angels."  Bat  more' 
wonderful  dill  !  he  united  the  divine  nature  to  the  human,  and 
thereby  became  at  once  an  object  of  fupreme  adoration,  and  a 
familiar  indructor.  What  he  faid  and  did  as  the  Lord,  "  witp 
in  heart  and  mighty  in  drength,"  we  mud  ever  contemplate 
at  an  awful  diftance,  admiring,  venerating  what  we  cannot  find 
"out  unto  perfection,  an\  which  we  are  Hill  more  incapable  of 
imitating,  put  in  what  he  faid  and  did  as  a  man,  we  behold  a 
pattern  mod  amiably  Ample,  mod  powerfully  imprefiive,  mod ' 
confummately  perfect.  In  vain  do  we  look,  any  where  elfe 
for  that  deadmefs  and  uniformity  of  character  which  alonecan/ 
merit  the  diftinciion  of  being  proporedasan  example  Whom 
elfe  can  we  with  fafety  follov/  in  every  thing  ?  In  the  mod: 
perfect  of  mere  men,  while  there  is  much  to  refpeft  and  to 
commend,  there  is  ever  a  fomething  to  blame  and  to  regret  ; 
fome  fault  of  temper,  fome  inconOderatenefs  of  expreffion, 
fome  inconhdency  of  conduct.  But  in  our  divine  Mader  all 
isedimable,  uniform  and  confident.  Heprefents  one  and  the" 
lame  character  in  folitude  and  in  fociety,  in  the  fynagogue  and 
in  domefl ic  retirement,  at  a  marriage  fead  and  before  the  tri- 
bunal ;  displaying  a  native  dignity  undebafed  by  an  infufion  of 
infolence,  condefcenfion  pure  from  fervility,  fortitude  without 
ferocioufnefs,  fenfibility  without  affectation,  the  fublimity  o£ 
devotion  with  the  perfect  cafe  of  friendQiip. 

In  the  lad  Lecture  we  attended  this  friend  of  mankind  to  the 
celebration  ofa  marriage  folemnity,  and  beheld  him  partaking 
of  the  pure  delights  of  friendly  and  domedicintercourfe,  ming- 
ling with  his  kindred  and  with  the  difciples  whom  hchadchof- 
-en  ;  and  while  he  miraculoufly  miniftered  to  their  wants,  as 
the  great  Ruler  and  Lord  of  nature,  we  obferve  him,  as  bone 
of  their  bone,  and  flefh  of  their  flefh,  fympathizing  in  their  joys, 
adopting  their  folicitudes,  their  wants  and  expectations,  and 
joining  in  their  conveifation.  Thus  he  tacitly  and  obliquely 
reproves  that  haughty  referve,  that  unbending  datelinefs,  that 
ungracious  didance  from  men  which  frequently  attempts  to 
pafs  for  fuperior  wifdom,  fanctity  and  importance.  We  pre- 
tend not  to  arrange  the  feveral  events  of  our  Lord's  hi dory  in 
sheexaci  order  ot  time.     The  Evangelifts  difplay  them   in   air 

energetic 


Lea.  XVII.J  JESUS   CHRIST.  18$ 

energetic  Gmplicity  far  beyond  the  reach  of  art.  There  is  in? 
the  word  of  God,  it  it  be  lawful  to  fay  fo,  a  rnajeftic  irregularity" 
that  tranfcends  the  control  of  rule  ;  jult  as  the  fufface  of  our 
globe,  wiih  its  mountains  and  valleys,  its  precipices  and  plains, 
its  rivers  and  oceans,  defies  the  application  ot  the  ltraight  line 
and  of  the  compares  ;  and  as  the  lace  of  the  ftarry  heavens 
prelents  to  the  eye  a  magnificent  aflemblage  of  worlds  leather- 
ed about  by  a  hand  that  rejects  afl  meafutement  by  any  ffand- 
ard  but  its  own  Science  nas  indeed  contrived  artificial  combi- 
nations and  arrangements  both  of  the  heavenly  bodies,  and  ot 
Scripture  truths,  but  their  native  glory  and  magnitude  are  not 
reducible  to  fy  items  ot  human  invention.  It  may  he  p  lea  fan  t; 
and  far  from  unprofitable,  to  ascertain  dates,  to  unravel  the 
chain  ;  but  it  is  furely  ot  fecondary  moment.  The  action? 
and  events  themfelves,  and  the  evidence  that  they  exifted,  are 
the  grerit  con.  ern  of  the  Cbriilian  world  ;  but  above  all,  the' 
practical  influence  of  thole  gieat  truths  on  the  hearts,  the  con- 
sciences, and  the  lives  of  men. 

Precluded  from  opportunities  of  being   eminently    ufeful  at 
Nazareth,  through  the  envy  and  unbelief  of  his  townfmrn,  Je- 
fus  withdraws  from  that  city  no*  in  angerbutin  forrow,  though' 
a  mod  crue:    ungra  etui  and  atrocious  attempt  upon  his  lite  had 
been  made  by  its  unworthy  inhabitants ;  and    he    proceeds   to 
profecute  his  lanours  of  love  at  Capernaum,  a  city    fituated  on 
the  fea  of  Galilee.     From  this  place,  it  would  appear,  he  was 
called  to  the  adjacent  town   of  Cana.  to  the  celebration  ot   the 
marriage;  and  that  folerrmity  being  ended,  he  returns    to    Ca- 
pernaum accompanied  by   he  difciples  whom  he   had   already 
cliofen.     Here  we  find  this  Teacher  fent  from  God  ftill    inde- 
fatigably  purfuing  the  great  object  of  his  million,  and  {fill    put- 
ting refpe£fr  on  the  word  and  ordinances  ot  God.     Behold  him 
devoting  the  day  of  facred  reft  to    ufeful  purpofes  ;  employing 
theleifure  and  retirement  from  temporal  concerns  which  it  af- 
forded, in  executing  the   benevolent   office  cf  inflructmg  the 
ignorant  ar.d  guilty,  in  the   way    of  life   and    falvation.      We 
know,  from  the  general  ftnta  of  his  public  miniflrations,    and 
particularly  from  the  portion  of  Scripture,  which  he  rehearfed 
and  applied  in  the  fynagogue  at  Nazareth,  that  the  things  writ- 
ten concerning  himfelt    conftituted  the  great   burthen    ot    h.s 
preaching  :  Scripture  the  fource,  Chrift  Jefus  the  fubjeft,  the 
fabbath  the  feafon,  the   fynagogue   the  fcene.      "  Never   ma« 
jpake  like  this  man." 

Bnt  the  Cervices  of  an  earthly  fancluary  mufl  clofe.  1  here 
is  a  feafon  of  retirement  and  repofe  as  there  is  ot  labour  and 
axettion.     The  duties  of  private  friendfhip,  of  domeflic  devc- 

uoifc 


*H  history  or  [Left.  XVII. 

tion,  the^ptghts  of  hofpitality,  the  care  of  the  body,  put  in  their 
feveraHcJaims,  which  mult  be  anfwered.  Chrift  accordingly 
"  arofe  out  of  the  fynagogue.and  entered  into  Simon's  houfe." 
The  accommodations  of  a  poor  fifherman's  hovel,  on  the  fhore 
of  the  lake  of  GennefTaiet,  could  not  be  very  elegant.  The 
fare  provided  by  a  hard-working  plebeian,  doomed  frequently 
to  toil  all  night  long,  without  taking  <my  thing,  could  not  be 
very  luxurious  or  delicate.  But  when  a  man  gives  you  the 
fhelter  of  his  roof,  however  mean,  and  a  place  at  his  board, 
however  homely,  he  does  all  that  a  prince  can  do  ;  and 
the  difference  is  a  paltry  circumftance  or  two,  beneath  the  con- 
fideraion  of  a  rational  being. 

But  the  houfe  cif  Peter  was,  at  this  time,  not  only  the  abode 
of  penury,  but  hkewife  the  houfe  of  mourning,  for  !*  Simon's 
wife's  mother  was  taken  wi^h  a  great  fever."  The  fabbathhad 
not  been  to  her  a  day  of  rtflf.  but  of  agitation  and  pain  ;  and 
the  diftrefs  oi  a  iick-bed  mii*  t  probably  be  aggravated  by  re- 
flecting on  abfence  from  the  houfe  of  prayer,  and  from  thecom- 
ibrts  of  the  public  worfli:p  ot  God.  The  value  and  impor- 
tance of  objects  vary  ftrangely,  in  our  eitimation,  35  they  are 
viewed  through  the  medium  of  heahii  or  of  ficknefs,  of  pain  or 
eafe.  The  illufion  of  the  vt  orld  difappears,  when  the  fever  in 
the  blood  forms  in  the  diftempered  imagination,  whirling  orbs 
of  penurba  ion,  and  perplexi  y,  and  delpair  ;  or  when. in  cold 
blood,  confcience  darts  an  anxious  look  into  the  world  ot  fpir- 
its.  Very  different  i<  tie  afpect  of  the  fabbath  in  the  eye,  and 
the  hour,  of  thoughtlefs  diflipanon,  and  when  the  fon  ot  difli- 
pation  is  ftretched  on  a  bed  of  languishing.  Then  he  "  fnuff- 
ed  at  it,  and  faid,  Behold,  what  a  wearinefs  is  it  ?  When  wiii 
the  new  moon  be  gone,  that  we  may  fell  corn,  and  the  fabbath, 
that  we  may  fet  forth  wheat  ?"  But  how  very  different  are  the 
reflections  of  "  the  days  of  datknefs,"  of  the  '•  months  of  van- 
ity," ot  the  M  wearifome  nights,"  appointed,  when  the  fleep- 
lefs  patient  is  conftrained  to  cry  out,  "  When  fhall  1  arife  3nd 
the  night  be  gone."  "  What  fruit  had  I  then  in  tho.'e  things, 
whereof  I  am  now  afiiamed  ?  for  the  end  of  thofe  things  is 
death." 

The  vifit  of  Jefus  to  Peter's  family  had  more  than  one  ob- 
ject in  view.  The  friend  ot  man  retired  to  converfe  with  men, 
the  taifter  to  inhVuct  his  difciples,  the  poor  to  feed  with  the 
p  r  the  weary  to  repofe  with  the  weary.  The  Son  of  God 
ei  ed  into  the  houfe  to  manifeft  his  glory,  to  difplay  his 
power,  to  exercife  his  benevolence  in  the  miraculous  relief  of 
diftrefs.  Thus  amply  does  he  repay  every  token  of  affection 
beftowed  on  hirnfell,  or  on  one  oi  the  lead  ot  his   bteihren. 

Diftref* 


Left.  'XV?  I.]  JESUS   CHRIST,  lf§ 

i)  lire's  awakens  fympa'hy.  The  children  of  the  family  can- 
not think  of  fitting  down  to  eat  bread,  while  the  mother  of  it 
2a'.r  in  extremity.  Filial  tendernefs  had  undoubtedly  exerted 
itfelf  to  the  uitermoft.  The  poor  fcrip  of  the  Galilean  had, 
pe\  l  ps,  baen  drained  in  purchafing  medicine  and  cordial  for 
his  affli&ed  rnoth<°r-in~law  :  though  this  be  none  of  the  leaft 
•of  the  evils  which  attend  p-.-verty,  to  behold  the  pertbfi  whom 
we  love  perifh  for  want  of  advice  and  medicine,  for  want  of  a 
co  d.al  beyond  the  reac')  o*  our  means.  As  a  laft  refourcc 
they  hy  h -r  cafe  before  Jefus  :  ''and  ihe'y  befought  him  for 
her."  Did  he  need  to  be  importuned  ?  Was  he  difficult  of  ac- 
cefs  ?  Did  his  good nefs  flow  reluctantly  ?  No,  but  the  inter- 
courfe  between  heaven  and  earth,  between  the  Creator  andihe 
creature  is  the  confidence,  the  prayer  of  diftrefs  meeting  the 
•benignity,  the  unremitting  attention  of  the  Father  of  mer- 
cies, who  will  be  foughi  unto,  that  he  may  fhew  himfelf  gra- 
cious. 

"  And  he  flood  over  her,  and  rebuked  the  fever,  and  it  left 
her."  The  m;rade  of  turning  water  into  wine  was  effected  by 
a  fimple  ael:  of  the  will,  without  either  gefture  or  fpeecfi,  and 
the  evidence  of  it  retted,  in  part  on  the  teftimony  of  the  fer- 
vants  who  had  filled  the  pots  with  water.  Here  we  have  both 
gefture  and  fpeech,  aad  the  immediate  and  perfonal  conviction 
of  all  who  were  in  thehoufe.  In  nothing  is  the  lovereignty 
of  Deity  more  confpicuoufly  difplayed  than  in  the  manner  of 
his  acting.  It  is  fo  unlike  human  conjecture,  that  the  pride  of 
man  is  apt  to  be  offended  that  Providence  did  not  obferve  the 
mode  which  his  fagacity  had  prefcribed.  Naaman  the  Syrian 
had  fettled,  in  his  own  mind,  the  whole  procefs  of  the  cure  of 
his  own  leprofy.  "  Behold,  I  thought,  He  will  furely  corns 
out  to  me,  and  ftand,  and  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord  his  God, 
and  ftrike  his  hand  over  the  place,  and  recover  the  leper." 
Not  one  iota  of  his  conjecture  was  realized.  The  prophet  did 
not  come  out,  nor  alfume  the  fuppofed  attitude,  her  pronounce 
the  fuppofed  invocation,  but  "  Tent  a  meffenger  uhto  him, 
faying,  Go  and  waih  in  Jordan  feven  times:"  and  pride  is  hur- 
rying him  away  in  a  rage,  to  think  that  the  rivers  of  D^mafcus 
mould  be  poftponed  to  the  waters  of  Ifrael.  Thus  while 
prophecy  has  been  fuccefhvely  fulfilling,  the  event  fo  ill  ac- 
corded with  prevailing  opinion  and  expectation,  that  while  the 
prediction  was  admitted,  the  accomplishment,  however  coinci- 
dent and  exafct,  hds  been  rejected. 

This  divine  fov^reignty  our  blefFed  Lord  exercifes  in  per- 
forming all  his  mighty  works.  He  wiils  water  into  wine. 
Now  he  rebukes  the  difeafe,  and  now  fpeaks   to  the   patic-t. 

B  He 


*$6  KisfGRtf  o?  [Lea,  xvr^ 

He  heals  the  feverous  Ton  of  the  nobleman,  at  the  diftance  of 
Cana  from  1  apernaum,  and  the  feverous  mother  oi  Simon's 
iviie  ftanding  by  her  bed-fide.  He  anoints  th  blind  man's 
eyes  with  clay,  and  fends  him  to.wafh  in  the  pool  of  biloam;- 
lie  cries  with  a  loud  voice  over  the  grave  of  his  departed  friend, 
'* Lazarus,  come  forth.."  All  demonftiates  the  underived  and 
independent,  as  well  as  the  almighty  power  of  God.  whofe  will 
is  the  fole  and  the  fupreme  lav*',  as  to  the  time,  the  manner  and 
the  matter  of  the  work. 

There  is  a  wonderful  vivacity  in  the  unaffected  concifenefs 
and  funpiicity  oi  the  narration.  He  ifood,  he  fpake,  he  pre. 
vailed.  "  He  rebuked  the  fever."  Difeafe  is  here  perfonifi- 
ed.  as  fufceptible  of  reprehenfion,  and  of  voluntary  fubjeclion 
to  authority*  '  end  it  left  her  "  as  one  who  has  en<~ro^ched  and 
intruded,  and  who  feels  and  acknowledges  the  power  of  a  fu- 
perior  repelling  and  calling  him  out. 

The  tran  fit  ions  of  nature  are  gradual,  flow,  imperceptible  in 
their  progreis.  When  the  ocean  is  roufed  into  fury  by  the 
raging  wind,  it  continues  in  a  Hate  of  agitation  long  after  the 
tempeff  has  ceafed  to  roar  but  when  C  brill  fpeaks  the  word, 
the  effefcl  is  inftantaneous  and  complete.  ''He  arcfe  and  re- 
buked the  wind,  and  faid  unto  the  fea,  Peace,  be  itill.  And 
the  wind  ceafed,  and  there  was  a  great  c -dm  "  When  the  fever 
has  fpent  its  force,  and  the  crifis  of  convalefcence  has  taken 
place,  it  leaves  the  patient  feeble  and  languid,  and  it  frequent- 
ly requires  a  considerable  length  of  time  to  reftore  loth  the 
body  and  the  mind  to  the  full  exercife  of  their  feveral  func- 
tions ;  but  when  Jefus  rebukes  the  fever,  it  not  only  in  a  mo- 
ment departs,  but  the  fufferer  is  at  the  fame  moment  made  per- 
fectly whole:  ''And  immediately  the  arofe,  and  miniftered 
unto  them."  As  in  creation  fo  in  Providence,  He  fpeaks  and 
it  is  done,  he  gives  commandment  and  it  Hands  faff,  **  He  is 
the  Rock,  his  work  is  perfect." 

The  circumfiance  of  her  mwiftering  to  her  phyfician  and  the 
family,  is  taking  and  Lnftru£tive.  It  teaches  us  the  proper 
ufe  of  prolonged  life,  of  reftored  faculties.  They  are  to  be 
devoted  to  die  honortr  of  God,  and  to  the  fervice  of  our  fellow 
creatures.  They  were  deeply  affe61ed  by  her  danger,  they 
looked  in  anxious  expectation  to  the  return  of  her  health,  and 
they  befought  the  Lord  for  it;  (he  employs  that  precious  gift 
in  contributing  her  heft  endeavours  to  promote  their  eafe  and 
comfort.  What  debt  is  fo  iacred  as  that  of  gratitude  ?  and 
whatbenef  iMor  has  laid  us  under  fo  many  and  fuch  unfpeaka= 
able  obligations  as  He  who  gave  us  life,  and  who  fuflains  it,  as 
He  who  died  to- redeem  us?  We  have  here  a  beautiful  and  in- 
teresting 


Left,  xvii.]  jesus  Christ.  167 

terefting  view  of  human  life.  Every  relation  has  its  corres- 
ponding fphere  of  duty.  The  happinefs  ot  domelt'c  fociety 
conhfjb  not  in  the  interchange  of  great  benefits,  on  lignal  oc- 
cawons,  but  in  the  hourly  reciprocation  of  the  little  offices  of 
Jove,  in  kind  looks,  in  kind  affections,  in  mutual  forbearance 
and  torgivenefs,  in  the  balm  oi  fympatby  whether  we  forrow 
or  rejo.ce;  in  a  word,  according  to  th<  apoftolic  injunction, 
in  being  of  ihe  fame  mind  one  towards  another. 

The  rel'gion  or  the  Gofpel  wears  an  afpecl  peculiarly  favor- 
able to  families.  1  i  and  childhood  of  Jefus  Chriti 
were  patfed  in  the  bofom  ol  his  family.  H  s  firft  public  mira- 
cle was  performed  in  putting  honour  upon  a  family  party,  at 
Cana  of  Galilee.  He  made  one  in  the  family  of  Simon,  at 
Capernaum.  The  houfeof  Lazarus  and  his  lifters  at  Beth  ny, 
he  made  his  home,  and  there  he  cultivated  all  the  endearing 
charities  of  exalted  frien  fhi p.  To  find  a  home  for  his  mother 
was  his  lait  earthly  care  ;  and.  as  the  head  ot  his  own  family, 
he  prefided  at  the  Pafchal  iolemnity,  and  inftituted  the  memo- 
rial of  his  dying  love.  Thus  are  domeftic  relations  fljrengthen- 
ed,  fweetened.  fanctifled,  ennobled.  A  Chriltian  kingdom  or 
ftate  never  rxiited.  But  a  family  of  Chriflians,  ail  of  one 
heart  and  of  one  foul,  we  Uult,  is  not  a  raiity.  And  to  chris- 
tianize families  is  the  direct  road  to  the  chi  iftianizing  of  na- 
tions. In  the  contracted  fphere  ot  a  family,  however  numer- 
ous, every  one  knows  every  one  ;  every  one  cares  for  every 
one.  The  matter's  influence  is  felt  and  acknowledged  by  all. 
A  common  imereft,  both  temporal  and  eternal,  unites  'he  indi- 
viduals to  each  other,  and  heaven  defeends  to  dwell  with  men 
upon  earth.  So  propitious  is  Chriftianity  to  the  dearell  and 
beft  intereits  ot  civil  fociety. 

The  fcene  which  we  have  been  reviewing  paiTed  on  the  e- 
veni '  g  ot  the  fabbath.  Nor  could  the  fanctity  ot  the  day  be 
profaned  hy  a  work  of  mercy,  or  by  the  pious  and  friendly 
intercourfe  ot  kindred  fpirits,  whofe  religion  was  feared  in 
heart,  not  chilled  into  Hfelefs  forms.  But  the  fuperftitious  ob- 
fervance  ot  the  fabbaih  operated  powerfully  on  the  multitude. 
Though  prompted  by  natural  affection  to  apply  for  relief  to 
their  affliltcd  friends,  they  defer  it  till  the  going  down  of  the 
fun,  that  is  till  the  fabbath  was  over  ;  foi  they  had  yet  to  learn 
"  what  this  rneaneth,  I  will  have  men  y  and  not  facriflce  ," 
and  "  the  Son  ot  man  is  Lord  even  of  the  Sabbath  day  ;"  and. 
"the  fabbath  was  made  tor  man,  and  not  man  for  the  fabbath." 
«'  Now  when  the  fun  was  fettiog,  ait  tr.ey  that  hid  any  lick, 
with  divers  difeafes  brought  them  unto  him."  A  fenfe  of  the 
weuknefs  of  thofe  good  people  is  loit  in  refpect    for  their   h»- 

mat 


HISTORY    OF  \LeEk.   XV lit, 

canity.  They  are  not  chidden  away  from  Peter's  door  as  unr. 
feafonable  intruders  ;  they  are  not  reterred  to  another  day* 
It  is  the  cry  of  mifery  er.tering  into  :he  ear  of  mercy,  and  it 
cries  not  in  vain  :  "and  he  laid  his  hands  on  every  one  ot 
them,  and  healed  them/'  Here  the  mode  of  cure  is  the  impo- 
sition of  hands.  Even  to,  blended  Jeius.  tor  fo  it  feemed  good 
in  thy  fight.  Let  me  be  the  fubject  ot  thy  miraculous  grace, 
and  convey  thou  the  healing  power  through  whatfoever  chan- 
nel then  wilt. 

The  iervi.ee  of  the  fynagog-ue.  in    the   morning  ot  the   fab-. 
hath,  bad  been  difturbed  by  a  wretched  demoniac,  who  "  cried 
out  with  a  loud  voice,  faying,  let  us  alone  :   what   have    we   to 
do  with   thee,   thou  Jeius  ot  Nazareth  ?  an  thou  come   to  de- 
itroy  us  ?  I  know  thee  who  thou  art  ;  the  holy  One  of  God.'* 
Jeius,  by  a  word,  difpoifelled  the  impure   fpirit,   and    reitored 
the  unhappy  nian  to  himfelt,  in  the  pretence  of  the   whole   af- 
fembly,  who  were  juiily  tilled  with  aftonifhment  at  fuch  a  dif- 
play  ot  power  and  goodneh.     It  is  abetting  to  think   that   this, 
dreadful 'f pedes  ot  malady  was  far  from  being    uncommon    at 
that  period.  ;  for  we  find  the    fame  ot    the  morning's  miracle 
fp read  abroad, 'and  it  attracts  to  the  place  where  Jefus  was,   in 
the  evening,  many  perfons  in  the   kime  deplorable  condition. 
One  of  the  depths  ot  Satan,  in  thefe  e*ies,  was  to  pay    affected 
homage  to  Jeius  ot  Nazareth,  in  the  view  of  intufmg   a    fufpi- 
cjon  that  there  might  be  a  tecret  combination  and -collufion  be- 
tween him  and  them^  and  of  thereby    diminifhmg   his    dignity 
and  authority  in  the  eyes  ot  the  people.     To  be  praifed  by  the 
wicked,  is  offenfive  and  diihonourable  to  the   good  ;    and    the 
adverfary  is  never  more  dangerous  than    when   he    "is   trans- 
formed into  an  angel  of  light."     But  when  the  prince    ot  thi$ 
world  came,  he  found  nothing    in    Chrift  ;    no   weak  part   to 
attack,  no  foundation  whereon  to  erect   his  engines  ;  but  wif- 
n-  rn  ever  prepare^  to  meet  cunning,  purity  10  refift  every  evil 
fuggeftion,  and  authority  to  tilence  the   tempter    whenever  his 
encroachment  became  too  daring.     He  diidained  the  tellimony 
ot  a  demon  in  his  favour  and  rejected   the  infidious    praife  of 
an   enemy.      "  And    he,   rebuking   them,    fuffered  them    not 
to  fpeak  :  for  they  knew  that  he  was  Chrift  :"  that  is,  he  per- 
mitted them  not  to  declare,  though  they   fpake  the  truth,  that 
they  knew  him  to  be  the  Chrift. 

Having  thus  fulfilled  the  public  duties  of.  the  fancluary,  and 
the  moie  private  offices  of  friendmip  ;  having  employed  the 
greater  part  ot  the  night  in  receiving  and  relieving  the  numer- 
ous objects  who  came,  or  who  were  brought  to  him,  he  with- 
«  drew9 


Left.   XVII.]  JESUS   CHRIST.  189 

drew,  toward  the  dawning  of  the  day  into  a  flill  clofer  retire- 
ment ;  and,  tor  a  feafon,  fhut  the  world  entirely  out.  *  And 
when  it  was  day  he  departed,  and  went  into  a  defert  place." 
Sacred  wcie  thofe  hours  ot  lolitude  to  heavenly  meditation, 
to  devotional  intercourfe  with  Him  that  fent  Him,  whole  glo- 
ry he  ever  fought,  and  whole  will  it  was  his  delight  10  twecute. 
"  Ye  mail  leave  me  alone  ;"  lays  he  tohis  diiciples,  "  and  yet," 
adds  he.  "  I  am  nv»t  alone,  becaufe  the  Fath  r  is  with  me." 
When  lome  great  arrangement  is  to  he  made  toward  the  ef- 
tabliih'ite  it  and  extenhon  ot  his  kingdom,  preparation  lor  it 
paifes  in  folemn  abitraehon  from  all  fublunary  things.  Thus 
his ovnt public  minittry  wa9  preceded  by  a  forty  days  retreat 
into  the  wildernefs  "  "  And  it  came  to  pafs  in  thoe  days," 
when  he  was  about  to  confecrate  the  twelve  to  the  office  of  a- 
poftleihip,  k*  their  he  went  up  into  a  mountain  to  pray  and 
continued  all  mgru  in  prayer  to  God  ,"  thus  alio  was  the  glo- 
rious fcene  ot  his  transfiguration  introduced;  and  thus  he  exem- 
plified the  practice  which  he  fo  powei  fully  recommends  to  his; 
difciples  :  M  But  thou,  when  thou,  prayeft,  enter  into  thy  clofet, 
and,  when  thou  halt  fhut  thy  door,  pray  to  thy  father  which 
is  in  fecret,  and  thy  Father,  which  feeth  in  fecret,  mail  reward 
thee  openly." 

The  admiring  and  delighted  multitude  trace  him  into  his 
place  ot  retirement,  and  fenfible  of  the  value  of  fuch  a  vifit, 
they  entreat  him  to  prolong  it.  Various  motives  might  fug- 
geflthis  requelf.  In  fome,  it  might  be  the  attraction  ot  nov- 
elty, in  others  the  love  ot  the  truth  :  here  the  fenfe  of  graw- 
tude  tor  benefits  received,  there  the  principle  of  curiofity  gap- 
ing after  a  farther  difpiay  of  wonders.  In  one  it  might  be  the 
full  convi&ion  of  an  honeft  and  enlightened  mind,  and  in  a- 
nother  a  malignantdifpofition  todiicovej  a  blemifh.  We  know 
from  the  fequel  that  the  fuccefs  of  our  Lord's  miracles  and 
preaching  at  Capernaum,  was  wofully  fimilar  to  what -it  had 
been  at  Nazareth,  for  this  is  the  difmal  account  which  he  him- 
felf  gives  of  it,  M  And  thou,  Capernaum,  which  art  exalted  un- 
to heaven,  fhalt  be  brought  down  to  hell  ;  for  if  the  mighty 
works  which  have  been  done  in  thee  had  been  done  in  Sodom, 
it  would  have  remained  until  this  day.  But  I  fay  unto  you, 
That  it  fhall  be  more  tolerable  for  the  land  of  Sodom  in  the 
day  of  judgment  than  for  thee."  Whatever  were  their  mo- 
tives for  wifhing  his  longer  continuance  among  them,  ihey  arc 
for  the  prefent  refilled,  and  a  reafon  is  afligned.  "I  mult 
preach  the  kingdom  of  God  to  other  cities  alio,  for  therefore  am 
I  fent."  Every  word  here  is  fignificant  and  powerful.  "I  muft 
preach."    What  impofed  the  neccflity  ?  The'commillion  which 

he 


I£0  HISTORY  OF  [Left.   XVlIt 

he  had  undertaken  to  execute;  his  own  fovereign  will  and 
pleafure  ;  his  own  unerring  underflanding  his  own  unbound- 
ed  benevolence  ;  the  extenfive  demands  of  perithn  g  numanU 
fy.  "  I  mull  preach  the -kingdom  of  God  ;"  its  defcent  to  e-arth  ; 
its  adaptation  to  the  nature  and  conditi  n  of  ignorant  and 
guilty  men  ;  its  divine  object,  to  raife  fallen  man  from  earthy 
trom  hell,  to  heaven  ;  its  prefent  operation  and  <  ffect.  "  right- 
eoufnefs,  and  peace,  andjoy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft  ;"  its  {lability, 
"  a  kingdom  that  cannot  be  moved  ;"  the  lovereigri  grace 
which  confers  it,"  tear  not  little  flock  :  tor  n  is  your  Father's 
good  pleafare  to  give  you  the  kingdom."  Such  was  the  glo* 
rious  fubjecf.  Of  Chnfl's  preaching  ;  a  fubject,  cpmpa»ed  to 
which  the  puriuits  of  avarice,  of  ambition,  and  the  pride  oi 
kings  are  lefs  than  nothing  and  vanity  :  a  fubject  that  interefts 
»ot  Nazareth,  and  Capernaum,  and  the  cities  of  Galilee  only, 
where  it  was  firft  proclaimed,  but  the  men,  the  cities,  the  na* 
tions  ot  all  ages  and  generations.  On  fuch  a  narrow  and  feem* 
ingly  (lender  foundation,  what  a  fabric  has  arifen  ?  "  This  is 
the  Lord's  doing,  u-  is  marvellous  in  oi^r  eyes."  Let  the  great 
objecl.  of  Chritt's  million  direct  and  control  our  purfuit  of  ev« 
ery  obj-ft.  He  was/?///  to  bring  men  under  the  dominion  oi 
the  kingdom  of  God  ;  and  he  has  taught  us  when  we  pray  to 
fay  :  "Thy  kingdom  come."  If  we  enter  into  the  lpirit  of  that 
petition,  it  will  be  our  concern  that  the  empire  of  fin  and  Sa- 
tan m  our  own  hearts  be  completely  fubverted  ;  that  peace  on 
earth,  and  good  will  among  men  be  promoted  ;  that  the  king- 
doms ot  this  world,  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  of. 
•  his  Chrifl,  and  that  he  may  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 

Let  us  review  this  portion  of  our  blelTed  Lord's  hiftory,  and 
thus  refle£l  : 

*.  The  duties  of  religion,  then,  andthofe  of  ordinary  life  are 
intimately  united  and  interwoven  ;  they  are  perfectly  confifL 
ent,  and  yield  mutual  fupport.  Thefervke  of  the  fancluary 
mufl  not  beunneceffarily  protracled,  to  the  wearying  ot  the 
fiefii,  and  to  become  an  encroachment  on  the  juft,  prudent  or 
necaflaiy  concerns  of  the  family,  and  no  domeflic  regards  muft 
preclude  works  of  charity  and  mercy,  even  to  ftrangers.  On 
the  other  hand,  no  attention  to  civil  and  domeflic  affairs,  ex- 
cept in  cafes  oi  urgent  neceflity,  and  no  works  of  mercy  muft 
plead  a  difpeafation  for  the  non-obfervance  oi  the  ordinance 
of  God.  Under  the  governance  ot  a  well-regulated  lpirit, 
daily  lawful  employments  become  not  only  a  reasonable  but  a 
religious  fervice,  and  the  functions  necelTary  to  the  fupport  o£ 
mere  animal  life,  may  be  performed  to  the  glory  of  God.  And 
neither  the  public  offices  of  the  temple,  nor  family  order  and 

devotion 


Le&.  xvii.]  Jesus  Christ.  M| 

devotion  mn ft  be  alleged  as  an  exemption  from  the  obligations' 
of  private  and  perfonai  religion.  Indeed  alt  mufl  begin  here. 
For  families  are  compofcd  of  individuals,  and  the  churches  of 
Chrift  of  families.  To  the  perfect  health  of  the  natural  hodyy 
the  foundnefs  of  every  flfetttber  is  ellential  :  a  perfection,  how- 
ever, rarely  to  be  found,  and  feldorn  of  long  continuance. 
Bui  the  prefent  feeblenefs,  imperfection  and  disorder  of  the 
particular  members  of  that  body  whereof  Chrift  is  the  headj 
are  relieved  by  the  profpeel  of  ••  the  perfecting  of  the  faints, 
ot  the  edifying  of  the  I  >dy  oi  Chrift,"  when  '  we  all  come 
in  H  •    .  nity  c  i  th*  and  ol    the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of 

C  a  perf  •      man,  unto  the  meafure  ol   the  ftatur     ol 

theful  Chrift." 

2.  Can  the  father  of  lies  fpeak  truth  ?  Yes,  when  it  promis- 
es to  anfwerh  s  purpofe  ;  and  truth  itfelf  partakes  of  the  na- 
ture of  a  lie  when  fl  is  employed  for  the  purpofe  of  deception. 
Do  devils  believe  ?  Yes.  to  'heir  forrow  ;  '  they  believe  and 
fremble."  Doe  Satan  give  a  juft  teitirrrony  to  the  Son  ot 
God  ?  Yes,  in  hope  of  f  ringing  it  into  difcredit.  Let  no  one, 
then,  value  him fe If  on  the  mere  truth  and  .oundnels  of  his 
principles,  on  the  exacl  orthodoxy  of  his  faith.  A  principle, 
however  excellent,  thai  remains  inaclive,  is  of  no  value,  like  a 
math  matical  proportion,  demonftrahly  certain,  but  applied  to 
h<  e  ;  or  b  wholeiome  ftrearh  frozen  tfp  and  fta^nating  at 
I  'ery  tree.  "  Not  every  one  that  faith  unto  me,  Lord, 
L   id,  mail  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  but  he  that  do- 

the  will  of  my  Father  which  is  in   heaven.'"'     '   This   isthe 
toi  y  that  overcometh  the  world  even  ©ur  faith  :    Who  is  he 
Mar  dvercometh  the  world,  but  he  that  believeth  that  Jefus   is 
me  Son  ot  God." 

3.  Who  has  not  known  difeafe,  and  danger,  and  manifold 
affliction  ?  And  who  has  nor  experienced  frequent  and  merci- 
ful deliverance  ?  The  di firefs  came  from  an  unfeen  hand,  and 
fo  did  the  relief.  The  agent  t!ie  in  liniment  was  human,  was 
fenfible.  It  was  the  fkill  of  the  phyfician,  it  was  the  power  ot 
medicme,  it  was  the  fympathy  of  friendfhip.  But  who  taught 
the  phyfician  to  comprehend  my  malady,  and  to  reach  it  ? 
Who  £av/e  virtue  to  the  prefcribed  medicine  ?  Who  excited 
compallion  in  the  bofom  of  my  friend  ?  He  who  rebuked  the 
fever,  and  it  fled  ;  he  who  laid  his  hands  on  the  Tick,  and  they 
were  n.ade  whole  ;  be  who  took  the  dead  daughter  of  the  rul- 
er of  the  lynagogue  by  the  hand,  and  faid,  ••  Damfel  arife  ;" 
and  M  ftratghtway  (lie  arofe  and  walked."  Whether,  there- 
fore, health  remain  unimpaired,  or  be    reflored,   by   natural  or 

extraordinary 


tga  History  or  [Left.  xvn. 

extraordinary  means  ;  whether  deliverance  fome  immediately 
from  God,  or  be  wrought  through  the  infirumentality  of  tec- 
ond  caufes,  the  hand  of  Deity  is  equally  to  be  acknowledged  ; 
and  prolonged  life,  and  renewed  flrength  are  to  be  devoted  to 
Jiim  who  ''giveth  to  all  life  and  breath,  and  all  things  ;  i©f 
iii  Him  we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being," 


LECTOR? 
I 


J^Sit.  XVIII.  j  7ESW5  CHR-ISTo  UQ§ 


LECTURE     XVIII. 


irdsir,  n.  13— 17. 


And  the  Jews*  pa f over  was  at  hand';  'and  Jc/lis  went  up' to  Je- 

ru/alem,  and  found  in  the  temple  tkofe  that  fold  oxen  and 
:cp,  and  doves,  end  the  chancers  of  money,  fit  tin  i?  ;  and 
when  he  had  made  ajepurge  of  /mail  cords,  he  drove  the. m  all 
out  of  the  temple,  and  thejkeep,  and  the  oxen  ;  and  poured 
out  the  chancer' s  money,  and  overthrew  the  tables  ;  and  [aid 
Unto  them  that  fold  doves,  take  theft  things  hence;  make  not 
my  Father's  ho'ufc  an  koufe  of  merchandife.  And  his  difci- 
pies  remembered  that  it  was  written,  the  zeal  cf  thine  houfe 
hath  eaten  me.  up. 

BESIDES  the  ultsal,  mtiverfal  and  fixed  rneafurements   of 
time,  all  men  have  a  particular   and    perfonal   ftandard   oi 
calculation  and  reference,  namely,   certain   incidents  oi   their 
own  lives,  to  themfelves   inexpretfibly   momentous,   however 
tininterefting  to  the  reft  of  mankind.      Thus   a    mother,   with 
touch  accuracy  and  diflinclnefs,  refers   every    other  event,  of 
Whatever  magnitude  and  importance,   to   the  refpecrive  dates 
of  the  birth  of  her  children.     The  expiration  oi  his  time,   as  in 
is  called,  that  is  of  his  clerklhip,  or  apprenticeship,    forms  an 
ortant  epoch  in  th«  extftence  of  a  young  man  ;  and  the  fate 
<  1  princes,  and  the  revolutions  of  empire  acquire,  in  his  eyes,  a 
iliar  confequence  from  their  relation    in  point  of  time,    to 
that  grand  revolution  in  his  own  little  ft  ate.    The  coniecration 
of  prelates,  and  the  inauguration  ot  kings  are,  at   once,    public 
Mid  private  meafares  of  duration.     Every  act  of  the  itate  is  dat- 
ed by  the  year  ot  the  Sovereign's  reign.     Bat  human   life  ad- 
mits not  of  a  repetition   of  thofe    more   distinguished    periods. 
They  are  remembered  and  referred  to*  becauit  they   are   rare. 
re  every  .  .:hibit  a  ftate-tiial,  hardly  any,  except  the 

parties  and  their  connections,  would  caTe  to  attend  it,  or   think 
of  feiting  a  mark  upon  it. 

•ever,  oi  whi^h  every  hour  is  an  epoch. 
A  * 


*£4 


HISTORY  OF  [Left.  XVI ?U 


of  which  every  aft  is  decifive,  of  which  every  event  is  highly 
and  univeiTally  intereiling,  and  of  which  every  period  is  a 
•■  fulnefs  of  rime,"  Or  this  life  each  inftant,  eath  incident, 
every  progreflive  (rep  furniflies  a  theme  for  the  tongues,  for 
the  pens  ot  thouiands  ot  thoufands  of  men  and  angels,  and,. 
when  their  fibres  are  exhauued,  it  preients  a  fub/e  •  as  new,  as 
important,  as  unbounded  as  it  was  at  the  beginning.  The  be- 
loved difciple,  having  thrown  his  mite  of  information  into  the 
public  treafury,  concludes  his  gofpel  with  declaring  his  belief, 
his  deliberate  convittion  rh'at  the  hiftbry  of  the  lite  and  actions 
of  his  divine  Matter  was  a  fubjecl  infinite  and  inexhauftible. 
"  There  are  alfo  many  other  things  which  Jefus did,  the  which, 
if  they  mould  Ire  written  every  one,  I  fuppofe  that  even  the 
world  iiielr  could  not  contain  the  books  thai  mould  be  writ- 
ten ,"  meaning  undoubtedly,  that  the  things  wh-ch  Jefus  faid 
and  did  were  fo  many  fo  extraordinary,  fo  fignificant  fo  effi- 
cient, as  infinitely  to  exceed  human  comprehenfion  and  belief. 
But  wherefore  fhouid  the  exprefiion  of  the  Evangelift  be  con- 
fidered  as  hyperbolical,  when  we  are  told  that  thefe  are  the 
"  things  which  the  angels  defire  to  look  into;"  and  when  we 
reflect  on  the  bur  hen  of  the  eternal  long  of  the  redeemed,  in 
heaven  "I  heard,"  lavs  John,  "the  voice  of  many  angelsrcund 
about  tl  e  throne, and  the  living  creatures,  and  the  elders  :  and  the 
■number  of  them  was  <en  thoufand  times  ten  thoufand,  and  thou- 
fands  of  thoufand*  :  faying  with  a  loud  voice,  worthy  is  the 
Lam'»  that  was  Plain  to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wifdom, 
and  ltrength,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  blefiing.  And  every 
creature  which  is  in  heaven,  and  on  the  earth,  and  under  the 
earth,  and  fuch  as  are  in  the  fea,  and  all  that  are  in  them,  heard 
I  faying,  Bleihr.g.  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  power,  be  unto 
him  lhar  fitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb  for  ever 
and  ever." 

From  the  marriage  in  Cana  of  Galilee,  Jefus '  again  M  went 
down  to  Capernaum;  he.  and  his  mother,  and  his  brethren,  and 
his  difciples:  and  they  continued  there  no'  many  days." 
How  thofe  days  were  employed  we  have  feen  in  the  preced- 
ing Lecture  :  in  conduftmg  the  fervice  of  the  fynagogue  in 
cultivating  the  chanties  ot  private  li re,  in  fecret  devotion,  in 
healing  the  lick,  in  cafting'out  devils,  in  preaching  the  king- 
dom of  God.  Having  made  a  progreis  of  teaching  and  preach- 
ing over  the  cities  and  fynagogues  of  Galilee,  He  now,  tor  the 
fir  11  time  iince  he  a f fumed  a  public  character  went  up  to  Jeru- 
ialem  to  celebrate  the  feaft  of  paifover.  Preferving  the  order 
of  events  as  accurately  as  an  attentive  companion  ot  evangelift 
with  evangelift  enables  us,  we  are  now  to  contemplate  an  inci- 
dent" 


'Letl.    XVIII. J  JESUS    CHRIST.  I93 

-dent  in  our  Lord's  hiilory. marked  with  very  peculiar  features, 
and  prefenting  a  new  and  inftruc'hve  opening  into  his  charac- 
ter, namely  his  purgation  of.  the  temple  from  the  impurities 
with  which  it  was  profaned  by  an  impious  and  infamous 
traffic. 

From  his  earlieft  years  the  commanded  folemnities  or  that 
facred  place  were  punctually  ohferved.  Whatever  the  Uw 
enjoined  was  to  his  infant  ftate  duly  performed.  While  un- 
der parental  authority,  particularly  when  it  led  to  the  houfe 
and  worfhip  of  God,  He  refpec) fully  fubmitted  to  it.  In  the 
maturity  of  age,  voluntary  and  cheerful  obedience  to  the  ordi- 
nances oi  heaven  dtftinguifhed  the  great  exemplar  of  decency 
and  ordei.  [Through  the  goodnefs  of  God,  we  are  delivered 
from  all  burdenfome  and  coftly  afendance  on  the  fervice  of 
the  temple.  We  are  not  called  to  wait  upon  God  with  rams 
and  calves  of  a  year  old.  Our  huibandmen,  manufacturers  and 
merchants  are  not  fammoned,  under  fevere  penalties,  feveral 
times  in  t..e  year  to  join  in  the  worfhip  of  the  metropolitan 
church,  at  a  great  expense  of  time  and  fubitance.  *1*  there- 
fore the  fervice  of  the  Chrillian  fanctuary  wortWeis  and  con- 
temptible ?  Do  we  therefore  requite  the  Lord  of  the  fabhath 
with  neglect  and  ingratitude  ?  Do  we  therefore  fnufl  at  his 
bloodlefs  facrifices,  and  fay,  "  Behold,  what  a  wearinefs  is  it  ? 
and  brin^  that  which  is  torn,  and  the  lame,  and  the,  fick  for 
an  offering?"  Dare  Chriftian  parents  fet  the  example  to  their 
children  and  dependants  of  irreligion  and  profanity,  and.  be- 
caufe  they  are  fet  fiee  from  a  coftly  ceremonial,  and  a  fuper- 
ilitious  obfervance  of  the  fabbath,  will  they  claim  and  affumc 
an  exemption  from  the  offices  and  the  fpirit  of  piety,  devotion 
and  gratitude  ?  Liberated  from  an  intolerable  yoke  of  iron, 
difdain  they  to  wear  the  honourable,  the  golden  chains  of  love? 

The  Jewifh  ritual  was  at  this  period  vilely  profaned,  and 
was  rapidly  haitening  to  difi'olution.  Buffo  long  as  it  is  in 
force,  our  blefled  Lord  condefcends  to  be  the  pattern  of  atten- 
tion and  refpect  to  it.  And  yet,  What  a  fcene  did  the  houfe 
of  God  then  pre  lent  !  The  forms  of  religion  remained,  but  the 
power  and  glory  had  departed.  The  letter  of  'he  law  was  (till 
held  in  affected  veneration,  bat  the  fpirit  was  completely  evap- 
orated. Th-  facrifices  of  the  living  and  true  God  were  fhame- 
fully  profhtuted  to  gratify  the  rroit  fordid  of  human  paflions, 
go  ilmefs  was  perverted  into  a  mere  inllrument  of  filthy  lucre, 
and  the  hoafe  of  prayer  was  degraded  into  a  den  of  thieves. 
And  fuch  is  the  fearful  prog  re  fs  of  moral  corruption.  Fervor 
lually  fubfides  into  lukewarmnefs,  and  lukewarmnefs  imo 
sold.     Indifference  fooa  becomes  mere  formality,  and  iormali- 


t§6>  KISXO^rOF  4&XVIXI. 

ty  is  bat  a  frep  horn  total  neglect.  Heglecl  degenerates  into 
hatred  and  ayerfion,  and  an  unhallowed  zeai  at  length  attempts' 
to  deftrcy  what  a  zeal  according  to  godUne'fs  once  endeavour- 
ed to  build  up.  What  can  be  m6re  oppoffte  and  unlike  than 
devout  worfhippers  engaged  in  a  holy  contention  of  gratitude, 
praife  and  love,  ftriving.who  fhou'dprefent  the  moft  accepta- 
ble, facri6.ce  to  the  Father  of  fpirits  ;  a-ad  carnal,  world !y-mind~ 
ed tormajifts  trying  to ovei  reach  one  another  ;  the  one  eager 
10  purchafethe  ox  or  the  {beep  For  his  offering  at  as  cheap  * 
rate  as  poilibie.  and  the  other  to  fell  it  at  the  higheft  price. 
And  the  very  court  of  the  temple  is  made  the  open  theatre  oi 
ihts  abominable  commerce. 

Before  tfeou  liuelj  up  thy  hand,  O  man,  to  fcourge  out  thofc 
Impious,  [ordid,  profane  Jews',  paufe,  and  look  into  thine  own 
heart.  Is  no  unholy  traffic  going  on  there  ?  Knoweft  thou  not 
thine  own  body  is  the  temple  of  the  Jiving  God  ?  Whofe 
altar,  then,  is  reared  up  in  that  facred  edifice  of  God's  own 
building  ;  and.  What  incenfe  fmokes  upon  it  ?  Say,  is  the  name 
of  Mammon  inf.nbed  there  ?.  Does'teniuality  there  celebrate 
no  nocturnal  revel?  ?  What,  (hall  the  palace  of  the  great  King 
be  transformed  into  "a  cage  of  every  unclean  and  hateful 
bird  i"  Or,  with'the  fuperftitious  Athenian, art  thou  ignorant-' 
ly  bowing  down  before  an  '*  unknown  God  V*  Thou  regular- 
ly oblerveft  me  hour,  and  frequenteil  the'houfe  oi  prayer;  but 
is  there  no  table  of  "the  money  -chancer"  lurking  in  fome  ob- 
jure corner  ?  Bid  ft  thou  leave  the  world  at  the  door  on  com- 
ing in  ?  Why  wander  thefe  eyes  abroad  over  thy  neighbour's 
garb  and  appearance  ?  They  ought  to  be  fixed  on  'thy  Father 
who  is  in  fecret,"  and  who  ie  feeth  in  fecret."  Doft  thou  too 
'•  offer  the  facriftce  of  fools  ?"  I)  a  reft  thou  approach  the  altar 
of  Gnd,  confeious  that  thou  art  not  yet  reconciled  to  thy  broth- 
er ?  The  gift  in  thy  hand  is  polluted  ;  prefume  not  to  offer  it» 
44  Leave  it  before  the  altar,  and  go  thy  way  ;  firft  he  reconcil- 
ed to  thy  brother,  and  then  come  and  offer  thy  gift." 

It  was  the  coiM  of  the  Gentiles  which  this  fcandalous  trade 
thus  {hametnlly  profaned,  by  the  buying  and  felling  of  Iheep, 
and  oxen,  and  doves  ;  and  by  the  exchange  of  foreign  for  cur- 
rent coin,  and  of  money  of  a  higher  for  that  of  a  lower  de- 
nomination. And  thus  not  only  was  the  wotthip  Of  the  great 
Jehovah  debafedand  perverted,  but  the  minds  of  decent  and 
devout  {hangers,  who  •'  h.?d  come  to  jerufalem'  for  to  wor~ 
ihip,"muil  have  been  grievouOy  mocked  and  fcandalized,  to 
the  utter  extinction  of  every  ferious  and  devotional  impreffion. 
This  it  was  which  excited  a  holy  and  juft  indignation  in  the 
Son  of  God;  in  beholding  the  temple  violated,  the  facrifices 

of 


Leer.,  xvn;.]  jesus  cijrioT. 

of  God  defiled,  and  a  Rumbling  block  laid  in  the  way  of   profs  - 
Jytes,  by  men  in  veiled  with  a  facred  character. 

'*  And  when  he  had  made  a  fcourge  o.t  fmall  cords,  he  drove 
them  all  out  ot  the  temple,  and  the  (heep,  and  the  oxen  ;  and 
poured  out  the  changers'  money,  and  overthrew  the  tables  ; 
and  faid  unto  them  that  fold  doves,  Take  thefe  things  hence  i 
make  not  my  Father's  houfe  an  houfe  of  merchandife.!>  This 
difclofes  a  new  and  lingular  exhibition  ot  our  blelled  Lord's 
fpirit  and  temper.  No  perfena!  injury  orinfult  could  provoke 
one  expreflion  of  refentnic  nt.  He  "  gave  his  back  to  the 
fmiters,  and  his  cheek0,  to  them  that  plucked  off  the  hair  :  he 
hid  not  his  lace  from  foam  e  and  ipitting  :"  yen  have  beard  o[ 
the  meeknefs  <:A'  Mofes.  and  ot  the  patience  of  Job.  But  what 
are  they  to  the  patience?  meeknefs  and  gemleuels  of  Chi  ill  { 
Neverthelels  thefe  gracious  nualitie*  have  a  boundary.  There 
are  occafions  where trie  exerciie  of  them  would  ceafe  to  be 
virtue,  and  where  a  man  would  J1  do  well  to  be  angry."  Wan- 
ton, deliberate  profanation  of  the  name,  the  day,  the  houfe  of 
the  Lord,  is  one  of  thole  occafions  v.  hic{i  juftjty  Jcverity.  A 
commanding  dignity,  an  irrefutable  glory  muff  have  Occafion- 
ally  beamed  from  the  perfon  of  our  Lord,  which  overawed 
and  intimidated  the  beholder.  How  is  it  poflible  otherwife  to 
account  for  the  quiet  fubmiflion  of  thole  men  to  corporal 
chaftifement.  They  were  many  in  number  ;  they  had  a  com- 
mon i  mere  ft  to  bind  them  to  each  other  ;  they  were  in  hitherto 
un^ueujoned  poifelfion  ot  the  ground  ;  their  property  was  con- 
cerned ;  theyjiad  the  connivance  at  leaft,  if  not  the  pexmiflioij 
ot  the  higher  powers.  He  was  alone,  unknown,  unconnected, 
unfupported.  But  they  cannot  Hand  the  lightning  ot  his  eye, 
his  voice  ftrikes  honor  into  their  guilty  confciences.  They 
prefume  not  to  reafon  or  to  rehft,  hut  taniely  give  up  their 
gainful  traffic  abafhed  and  confounded.  Thus  the  multitude 
that  came  with  Judas  to  take  fcfus,  though  furnilhed  **  with 
lanterns,  and  torches,  and  weapons,"  were  fo  overwhelmed  by 
the  majefty  of  his  appearance,  that  "  as  loon  as  he  had  laid  un- 
to them,  I  am  he,  th-.y  went  backward  and  fell  to  the  ground." 
And  if  inch  were  the  glory  with  which  he  fometimes  invefted 
himielf,  in  his  ftate  of  humiliation,  what  muff  be  the  glory  of 
his  fecond  coming  "  with  clouds,"  when  *'  every  eve  (hall  fee 
hira.  and  they  alfo  which  pierced  him  ?" 

Whit  a  (evete  reproof  was  this  aclien   of  our    Lord,   or 
careleifnefs  and  indifference  of  the  high-priejr.,  and  ot  the  i 
ininifters  of  religion?  To  them  itbelonged  to  guard  the  fantli. 
ty  of  the  temple  and  of  its  worfhip.     The  dignity  of  their  own 
flation  and  character  fuffered,  when  the  houic  of  God  was  vio- 
late/1'. 


*  HISTORY   OF  ['Left.  XVI.Ii* 

lated.  Is  it  doing  them  injuftice  to  fufpcft  that  they  partook 
Ci  the  profits  of  this  illicit  trade?  If  this  fufpicion  be  well- 
founded,  the  gro  He  ft  enormity  is  immediately  accounted  for. 
When  the  love  of  money  has  on  e  taken  pofleffion  ol  the 
heart,  no  tie  of  religion  or  morality  is  binding.  Confcience, 
Jenfe  of  honour,  fenie  of  decency,  fenfe  of  duty,  all,  all  is  Sac- 
rificed at  the  fhrine  of  this  in  atiate  demon,  which  never  fay? 
V  it  is  enough."  At  thole  feafoos  the  demand  lor  cattle  to  be 
offered  in  facrifice  mull  have  been  very  great.  Jofephus,  in 
his  Wars  of  the  Jews,  informs  us,  that  no  lefs  than  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty-fix  thoufand  and  five  hundred  viftims  were  pre- 
sented at  one  paflbver.  A  fmall  ihare  of  the  gams  u  on  fuch 
an  extenfive  conlumption,  muii  therefore  have  amounted  to  a 
very  large  Sum.  What  a  confederacy,  then,  had  the  zeal  and 
intrepidity  of  Chrift  to  encounter  !  a  whole  hoft  ol  inhuman, 
unfeeling  dealers  in  flefh,  aftuated  by  the  bafeit  and  moft  un- 
relenting of  human  paffions,  and  leagued  with  a  time-ferving 
priellhood  who  put  every  thing  up  to  Sale. 

We  have  before  us  a  finking  and  an  encouraging  inftance 
of  the  power  and  influence  of  one  perfon  oi  inflexible  integri- 
ty, in  a  corrupted  If  ate  of  fociety.  He  may  fingly  and  iuc- 
cefsfully  oppofe  a  torrent  of  iniquity.  Vice  is  timid  when 
directly  attacked.  "The  wicked  flee,"  faith  the  wife  man, 
*'  when  no  one  purfueth,  but  the  righteous  are  bold  as  a  lion." 
Irrefi liable  is  the  force  of  truth  and  confcience.  "  Is  not  my 
word  like  as  fire  ?  faith  the  Lord  ;  and  like  a  hammer  that 
breaketh  the  rock  in  pieces  ?"  k'  The  word  of  God  is  quick, 
and  powerful,  and  {harper  than  any  two-edged  (word,  piercing 
even  to  the  dividing  afunder  of  foul  and  Spirit,  and  of  the 
joints  and  marrow,  and  is  a  difcerner  of  the  thoughts  and  in- 
tents of  the  heart."  This  is  the  weapon  which  our  Mafter 
wielded,  together  with  the  M  Scourge  of  fmall  cords."  Smitten 
at  once  in  their  perfons  and  in  their  «  onfciences,  they  retreat 
with  fhame  from  the  field,  acknowledging,  feeling  the  Supe- 
riority of  real  goodnefs.  Thus  then  learn,  O  man,  to  arm 
thyfelf,  and  fay,  M  the  Lord  God  will  help  me  ;  therefore  mail 
I  not  be  confounded  :  therefore  have  I  fet  my  face  like  3 
flint,  and  I  know  that  I  (hall  not  be  alhamed."  From  the  inex^ 
hauftible  ftores  of  Scripture  draw  th  ,  refources  tor  the  warfare, 
and  thou  (halt  find  thySelf  invincible.  What  has  he  to  fear, 
who  is  confcious  of  the  goodnefs  or  his  caufe,  who  employs 
"  the  fword  of  the  fpirit,  which  is  the  word  of  God,"  and  who 
goes  forth  conquering  and  to  conquer  in  full  confidence  of  dU 
vine  conduct  and  lupport. 

It  is  evident  from  the  cenfure  pronounced   upon  the  viola- 
tors 


Left.   XVIII"/}  JESUS  CHRIST.  299 

tors  of  the  temple,  that  their  trade  was  every  way  unlawful, 
This  tranfaction  is  recorded  by  all  the  four  Evaagelifts  with 
Nttle  if  any  variation.  And  by  comparing  them  together  we 
{hall  find,  that  the  abufe  expofed  and  condemned  waft  a  horrid 
mixture  of  impiety  and  difhoneity.  of  contempt  of  God,  and 
robbery  of  man.  Not  only  was  "  the  houfe  of  prayer  lor  all- 
nations"  abominably  polluted  by  what  fell  fjom  the  flocks  and 
herds  for  facrifice,  but  it  was  literally  ptrveited  into  "  a  den 
ot  thieves,"  who  had  entered  into  a  wicked  combinaton  to  prey 
upon  the  public,  by  enhancing  the  price  of  an  article  which 
was  at  once  a  necefTary  ot  life  and  of  religion?  Tbefe  two  enor- 
mities, however,  generally  go  hand  in  hand.  I!  there  is  no  fear 
otGod  before  a  man's  eyes,  his  neighbour  has  but  a  (lender  hold 
Upon  either  his  veracity  or  integrity,  when  the  talfchood'may  ber' 
uttered,  or  the  fraud  committed  without  danger  of  deteHion. 
And,  on  the  other  hand,  he  who  deliberately  praBifes  deceit 
Upon  u  his  brother  whom  he  hath  feen,"  cannot  have  a  very 
high  degree  of  reverence  for  M  God  whom  he  halh  not 
feen." 

While  we  contemplate  with  fhame  and  forrow    the  corrup- 
tions which  difgraced  the  Jewifh  Church,  is  it   poflible  to  re- 
frain from  lamenting  the  equally  deplorable  corruptions  which 
have  disfigured  the  hallowed  form  of  Chriftianity  ?  Did  not  all 
hiflory  atteft  the  truth  of  it,  who  would  believe  that  there  was 
a  1  ,ng  period,  not  yet  quite  expired  in  fome  parts  of  Chriflen- 
dom,  and  that  there  was  a  fucceflion  of  priefh,    called    Chrif- 
tians,whopiefumed,  for  apiece  of  money,  to  grant  a  man  indul-^ 
gence  to  commit  every  fpecies  of  wickednefs,   which  his    cor- 
rupt  heart  might  fuggeft,  and  lor  any  given  period,  with  com- 
plete impunity  ?  Who  could  believe  that  this  prieit*  in  confid- 
eration  ot    fomething  caft  into  his    treafury,  would  take  upon 
him  to  ifTue  a  pardon  of  the  moft  attrocious  offences,  and  there 
lpy  fcreen  the  vileit  of  offenders  from  punifhmmt ;  nay,  conic. 
the  power  ot  pardoning  on  ftone  walls  and  lifelefs  altars  ?  The 
murderer  who  fmote  his  brother  to  death  in  the  open  flreet,   in 
broad  day,  had  but  to  ftep  into  the  next  church,  and  it   flood* 
always  open  on  purpofe,  to  be  prote61ed  from    the  vengeance, 
of  the  law.  Who  could  believe  that  aprefent  orkbequefl  to  the 
Church  was  confidered  as  a  full  compenfation  for  all  the  crimes- 
af  a  life  of  violence,  and  rapine,  and  blood,  and  as  a  fair  palfport 
to  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ?  That  fuch  things  mould  ever  have 
exiited  is  moil  wonderful  ;  that  they   fhould   have  maintained 
their  ground  over  all  Europe  for  many   centuries   together  is 
moft  wonderful.     But  the  fcandalous  ufurpation   is  battening. 
*©  a  clofe.    And   with  the  downfal  of  popery,  may   every  re- 
maining 


jjfSo  UiSTORYOF  [Left.   XVIII,, 

maining  error  in  the  do&rine,  difeipline  and   praclice   oi  the 
churches  of  the  Reformation  finally  terminate. 

The  difciples  of  our  Lord  poffefled  one  great  preparatory 
(qualification  for  the  exercife  of  their  future  miniftry,  acquain- 
tance with  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  Teitament.  Struck  with 
this  difplay  ot  their  Mailer's  zeal  for  the  honour  of  God,  and 
for  the  purity  of  Temple-worfhip.  they  call  to  remembrance 
a  text  from  the  Flalms  oi  David,  which  appeared  to  them  a 
prefiguration  of  what  had  jult  paffed.  "  And  his  difciples  re- 
membered that  it  was  written,  The  zea!  of  thine  houfe  hath 
eaten  me  up."  We  pretend  not  to  affirm  that  the  words  of 
the  Pfalmifl.  amount  to  a  prediction  of  what  Chrift  telr  and 
(aid,  and  did  upon  this  occafion.  David  unqueftianahly  ut- 
tered his  own  feelings,  though  there  was  as  yet  no  temple  at 
Jerufaiem  dedicated  to  the  moll  High  God.  But  the  ex- 
predion  amounts  to  this  :  Whatever  affecls  the  eharacler  and 
worfhip  of  Deity,  I  make  my  perfonal  concern.  "  The  zeal 
of  thine  houfe  hath  eaten  me  up  :"  ardent  regard  for  the  hon- 
our of  thy  fancluary,  like  a  fecret  flame  pent  up  in  my  breaft, 
inufl  either  have  vent  or  confume  me  :  and  the^  fequel  is  in 
the  fame  fpirit,  M  and  the  reproaches  of  them  that  reproached 
ihee  are  fallen  upon  me."  But  though  we  may  not  have  here 
a  dtreel  prophecy  of  a  future  event,  we  have  a  powerful  a  {limi- 
tation between  two  mo  ft  eminent  perfonages,  at  very  diftant 
periods,  breathing  one,  and  the  fame  fpirit,  aiming  at  one  and 
the  fame  end  ;  and  this  fimilitude  partakes  of  the  nature  of 
prophecy .  And  the  whole  leads  us  to  this  conclufion,  that 
there  mav  be  predictions,  refembianees,  analogies  in  Scrip- 
ture, hitherto  concealed  even  from  the  wife  and  prudent,  to 
be  hereafter  unfolded,  or  perhaps  refer  ved*  for  the  inftru&ion 
and  delight  of  the  kingdom  ot  heaven,  when  there  mail  he  in 
Scripture  nothing  obfeure,  or  hard  to  be  kndei  flood.  What  a 
motive  is  this,  now  to  liften  to  the  command  of  Chrift. 
44  Search  the  Scriptures  ;  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have  eter- 
nal life  :  and  they  are  they  which  teftify  of  me." 

In  this  paffage  of  our  Lord's  hiftory,  as  m  all  Scripture,  we 
Lave  many  things  M  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for 
correction,  tor  inftruotion  in  righteoufnefs." 

i.  We  have  a  humiliating  view  ot  the  treachery  and  de- 
ceitful nefs  of  the  human  heart.  The  very  perfons  who  con- 
sidered it  as  a  crime  to  "  eat  bread  with  unwafhen  hands," 
could  quietly  digeft  the  profanation  ot  the  temple  and  of  the 
worfhip  of  God.  Such  felf-delufion  do  men  praftife  every- 
day. They  treat  their  own  infirmities  as  fome mothers  do  very 
homely,  wayward,  or  even  deformed  children,  who  not  only 
{hew   them  all  poflible  indulgence  themfcives,   bat  are  of. 

tended 


"■■■Left.  XVIIl.^  JESUS  CHRIST.  *Ol 

tended  tf  others  adopt  no?  their  fondnefs  and  pariialify.  At 
the  (ame  time,  the  lighted  hlemifh  in  the  character  of  another 
is  quickly  ieen  ani  leverely  cenfured.  Th*  deception  is  fie- 
-qu'-mtly  carried  n. uch  farther.  A  man  fhali  actually  decern 
and  r-gidly  condemn  in  his  neighbour  the  very  fault  10  which 
he  himfelf  is  notorfcully  addicted.  The  proud  lerfon  c« .n  en- 
dure no  one's  pride  hut  his  own  ;  the  paffionate  fluid  afton- 
iflied  at  he  transports  of  ih  fe  u  ho  are  hafty  like  tbemfelves  ; 
and  who  are  upon   hypocriry   as  the  hypocritical? 

Ev<  ry  leffon  taught  by  the  great  Teacher  has  a  foundation  in 
human  corru  non  a  id  has  a  tenden  y  to  correct  it,  and  this  « 
an  important  one  :  k  Judgenot,  that  ye  be  pot  judged.  For 
with,  what  .judgment  ye  judge  \e  (hall  he  judged  :  and  with 
what  meafure  ye  mete,  il  (ball  bemeafu  ed  to  you  again.  And 
why  behofdefl  thou  th  -    bat  is  in  thy   brother's  eye,   but 

conhder  it  not  the  bean  that  is  in  thine  "wn  eye  ?  Or  how 
■wilt  ;hou  lay  to  thy  brother?  Let  me^pu'I  out  the  mote  out 
of  thine  eye  ;  and,  behold,  a  beam  is  in  thine  own  eye  ?  Thou 
hyp  icrite,  firft  calf  out  the  beam  out  of  thine  own  eye  ;  and 
ihen  (halt  thou  fee  clearly  to  call  out  the  mote  out  of  thy  br-  Ch- 
er's eye."  To  which  I  fubjoin  the  prayer  of  the  Pialmift.t 
**  Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart  ;  try  me.  and  know 
my  thoughts  ;  and  fee  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me,  and 
lead  me  in  the  way  everlafting." 

s.  If  fuch  were  the  dignity  which  the  Son  of  God  affumed, 
and  the  authority  whi<  h  he  exercifed,  while  he  tabernacled 
with  men  upon  earth,  attended  by  a  few  (imple  Ga'lilcans,  is 
it  not  a  matter  of  very  ferious  concern  to  meditate  on  the 
efty  and  importance  of  his  coming  to  judge  the  quick  and  the 
dead?  If  his  prefence  was  thus  awful  and  tremendous  when 
armed  with  only '•  a  fcourge  of  fmall  cords,7*  what  muft  it 
be.  when  "  the  Lord  fefus  (hall  be  revealed  from  hea  •  n  iv 
his  mighty  angels,  m  flaming  fire,  taking  vengeance  on  them 
that  know  not  God,  and  that  obey  not  the  Gofpel  of  o.  r  L  >rd 
Jefus  Chrift  :  who  (hall  be  punimeJ  with  ever  afting  deftruc- 
iion  from  the  prefence  of  the  Lord   arid  glory    of  his 

power."  In  this  judgment  to  c  me  we  <ue  a  I  equaiiy  inter- 
effed  and  we  are  turnifhed  with  a  prefent  n  le  o!  judgment  in 
the  decifions  of  confcience  an!  wordofG'od. 

Happy  is  that  man  who  understands,  believes  and  imj  io\es 
".he  teilimony  ofthofe  taithluland  true  witnefies  ;  who  know- 
ing the  terrors  of  the  Lord,  is  perfu-ided  to  flee  irorn  the  wrath 
to  come,  and  to  lay  hold  on  eternal  life,  'lie  that  believCth 
^n  him  is  not  condemned  :  but  he  that  believeth  not  is  con- 
tfeaatd  alreadv  j  becaufe  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name   of 

Bb 


CQ2  HISTORY  OF  [Left.   XVllK 

the  only  begotten  Son  of  God.  And  this  is  the  condemnation* 
that  light  is  come  into  the  world,  and  men  lo^ed  darknefs  rath- 
er than  light,  becauie  their  deeds  were  evil.  For  every  one 
that  doeth  evil  hateth  the  light,  neither  cometh  to  the  light, 
left  his  deeds  mould  he  reproved.  But  he  that  doeth  truth 
cometh  to  the  li^bt,  that-  his  deeds  may  be  made  manifeft  that 
they  are  wrought  in  God."  Thefe  laft  words  open  a  brighter 
profpect  and  difclofe  to  us  "  the  Son  of  man  coming  in  the 
clouds  of  heaven,  with  power  and  great  glory,  and  fending 
his  angels  with  a  great  found  oi  a  trumpet,  and  they  fhall  gath- 
er together  his  elect  from  the  four  winds,  from  one  end  of 
h.  aven  'o  the  other."  Then  (hall  he  be  "  glorified  in  his  faints, 
and  admired  in  all  them  that  i  elieve."  Thus  are  good  and 
evil  deaih  dnd'l'ite,  the  blrffing  and  the  curfe  fet  before  us. 
Thus  all  that  is  terrible  in  juft:ce,  armed  with  almighty  power, 
addrefTes  itfclf  to  our  fear  and  all  'hat  is  amidble  and  alluring- 
in  unbounded  goodnels  and  love,  expands  to  our  hope  *'  an 
inheritance  incorruptible,  and  undefiled,  and  that  t  deth  not 
away,  referved  in  heaven  for  you,  who  are  kept  by  the  power 
of  God,  through  faith,  unto  falvation,  ready  to  be  revealed  in 
tbelaff  time."  May  we  this  day  k:iow  him  as  a  Saviour  whom 
we  muffin  that  day  meet  as  a  judge.  May  we  have  wifdora 
to  comply  with  the  counfel  of  him.  as  a  friend,  whom  it  is 
certain  and  utier  ruin  to  encounter  as  an  adverfary.  *  Behold, 
cow  is  the  accepted  time  :.  behold,  now  is  the  day  of  falva- 
tion." 

3.  1  ake  care,  frail,  ignorant,  erring  man,  how  thou  pi-opofc 
eft  to  thy felf  the  purifier  of  the  temple  as  a  pattern  of  zeaL 
"  It  is  good,"  faith  the  apoftle  "to  be  zealoufl'y  affected  al- 
ways in  a  good  thing  but  unlefs  zeal  be  directed  by  prudence 
and  knowledge,  it  may  produce  incredible  mifchief.  There- 
is  a  zeal  about  trifles,  which  diverts  the  mind  from  objects  of 
ferious  important e  Battles  have  been  fought,  and  volumes 
vnitten  to  determine  the  pofture  in  which  the  facrament  ought 
to  be  received  and  the  habit  to  be  worn  by  the  prieft  in  read- 
ing the  fer.vice  of  the  Church.  While  contention  about  fuch 
non-eflentials  waxed  hot,  the  fpirit  of  piety  and  prayer  grew 
cold.  1  here  is  a  zeal  which  is  the  offspring  of  prejudice  and 
habit.  It  actuated  San!  of  Tarfus,  when  "  he  made  havock  of 
the  church,  entering  into  every  houfe,  and  haling,  men  and 
women,  committed  them  to  prifon  ,"and  while  he  "  yet  breath- 
ed out  threatening*  and  Daughter  againft  the  difciples  of  the 
Lord  ."and  when,  fpeaking  of  himfclf,  he  fays  :  "  I  verily 
thought  with  myf  If,  that  I  ought  to  do  many  things  contrary 
to  the  name  of  Jefus  of  Nazareth.     Which  thing  I  alio  did  in 

Jerufalem  ; 


Left,  xvm  ]  jesus  ciirist.  203 

Jerufalem  :  and  many  of  the  Jain's  did  I  (hat  up  in  prifon, 
having  recived  authority  from  the  chief  or  efts  :  and  when 
they  were  put  to  death  I  gave  my  voice  again  it  them  And  I 
pu  nfned  i,hem  o'r  111  every  fynagogue,  and  compelled  them 
to  blaipheme  ;  and  being  exceedingly  mad  a^ainft  them,  I 
pertecuted  them  even  unto  ftrange  ■  mes."  There  is  a  vain- 
gi  ,rious,  oitentanous  zeal  which  cannot  near  to  pais  unobferv- 
ed.  which  muft  ^>e  fed  with  public  attention  and  admiration. 
Such  is  that  which  inline  1  Jehu,  wnen  he  exulttrigly  chal- 
lenged ap  daufe  :  *  Come  w-vh  me  and  fee  my  zeal  for  the 
Loid."  Th  re  is  a  malignant,  ifttolerant  zeal,  which  pities 
not,  fpa.es  nor,  Even  the  difciples  James  and  John  were  un- 
der its  influ-n  e;  when  a  village  of  the  Samaritans  refufed  to 
Receive  t  teir  Matter,  "  Lord,"  fay  they,  "  wilt  thou  that  we 
i  ind  fire  to  :om-°  down  from  heaven,  and  confume  them, 
even  as  E'i  is  di  I  ?"  an  i  it  received  a  juft  and  fevere  repre>r 
hen!io:i  li  vn  the  mouth  of"  Ch  iff  :  "  He  turned  and  rebuked 
them,  and  fa  d,  Ye  know  not  wha1  manner  of  fpirit  ye  are  of. 
For  the  Ion  o!  man  1  no  come  todeflroy  men's  lives,  but  to 
f.  :  them  "  The  dif  LpJes  thernfejves.  became  the  victims  of 
this  fiery;  exterminating  zeal  as  Chrifl  predicted  concerning 
tliem.  "  They  fh-ill  put  you-puj  of  the fy nagogues ::  yea,  the 
time  cometh  that  whofoever  killeth  von  will  ihmk  that  he  do- 
eth  God  lervice."  Tnus  the  h-.rd  rrteaiure  which  they  would 
have  meted  to  others,  was  meafured  out  unto  themfelves.  '<ut 
there  is  a  zeal,  as  well  as  a  lo  trine, *'  which  is  according  to 
god  h  nets  :"  a  pure  and  lambent  flame  of  love  to  God,  which 
admits  of  no  mixture  ol  human  pallion  which  views  every 
object  through  the  medium  of  Deity,  and  aims  but  at  one  end, 
that  Go  d  may  be  glorified.  This  excellent  fpirit  will  never 
think  of  doing  Gud  fervice,  by  fhewing  tink  ndnefs  or  Ciuelty 
to  man.     But  it  is  fo  rare  and  i'o  eafily  count*  that  even 

ks  emotions  are  to  be  regarded  with  a  jedous  eye,  tor  th  re    is 
no  'mill  dinger  of  a  man's  mill..1  ing  the  ebullitions  of  his  own 
mind,  for  the  impulfe  of  God's  fpirit,  efpecialiy  ;n  cafes  where 
guilt  is  to   be    condemned  and  vengeance   evecutjd.      David 
made  a  wife  and  a  happy  choice,  when   conftramed   to   fi 
to  one  ol  three  gredt  evils.     "  I  am  in  a  great  drait    "  faid    he, 
*'  Let   us  fall   now  into  the  hand   of  the  Loid,  (for  his  mercies 
are  great)  and  let  me  not  fall  into  the  hand  of  man."      I    kike 
not  to  fee  the  fcourge,  the  lword,  the  tore!;  voluntarily  aflu 
ky  one  of  like  paflijns  with  myfeif      In  vehement  attempts    to 
reform  abufe,  I  lhould  tremble  to  think  ot   their    dig 
into  a  rage  to  deflroy.  The  tremendous  attribute  ot  vengeance,. 
Cod  will  confide  to  no  hands  but  his  own,  but  he  permits  man 

to 


fC|  KiSTORY,   Qfi  flieft.   XV1IU 

to  carry  the  imitation  of  divine  mercy  as  far  as  he  can  "  DearY 
Jy  beloved,  avenge  not  yonrfehres,  but  rather  give  place    unto. 
:  for  it  is  written*  vengeance  is  mine;  I  wiil  repay,  faith-, 
the  Lord.     Th  re  fore,  if  thine  enemy  hunger  feed  him  ;  If  he 
give  him  drink  :  tor  in  fo  doing  thou  (halt  heap  coals  oL 
fire  on  h-s  head.     Be  not  overcome  of  evil,  but   overcome  evil 
vri  h  good.'" 

4.  Mark  the  power  of  confcience-  and  learn  to  (ecure  its. 
teftimony  in  your  favour.  What  mace  cowards  of  thofe  grofs. 
in  brutal  men?  An  ill  conscience.  What  chafed  away  a, 
fehultHiide  '  elore  one  man  ?  An  ill  confcience.  What  oveiaw-f, 
ed  a  rapacious  prieilhood  and  a  licentious  populace?  An  ill 
confcience.  Gonfcience  drove  our  guilty  progenitors  to  feefc 
concealment  "  from  the  prefence  of  the  Lord  God,  arnongft.  the 
trees  of  the  garden.*'  Gonfcience  fentout  murderous  Cain  **a 
fugitive  and  a  vagabond  in  the  .earth,"  under  the  dire  aj»pte- 
henfion  that  every  one  who  found  him  would  flay  him.  It  is 
confcicnce  that  dictates  the  unavailing  cry  to  defpair'ng  wretch- 
es, who  in  bitiernefs  exclaim  '•  to  the  mountains. and  rocks*  fall 
on  us,  and  hide  us  from  the  face  of  him  that  fitteh  on  the 
throne,  and  from  the  wrath  of  the  Lamb  :  for  the  great  day  of 
his  wrath  is  come;  and  who  fhall  be  able  to  (land  ?"  But  what* 
in  oppofition  to  this,  is  the  {puree  of  a  Chriflian's  compofure 
and  fatisfaBion  ?  '•  Our  rejo;cing  is  this,  tbe  tellimony  of  our 
confcicnce,  that  in  fimplicity  and  godly  fincerity,  not  with 
fie flily  wisdom,  Hut  by  the  grace  of  God  we  have  had  our 
converfation  iti  the  world."  Herein  confifted  the  triumph  o£ 
the  Apoftle  over  the  fear  of  the  Roman  governor,  and  over  the 
oratoty  of  Tertuilus  :  "  Herein  do  I  e.xercife  myfeif>  to  have 
always  a  confeience  void  of  offence  toward  God  and  toward 
men."  And  this  conftitutes  the  triumph  and  the  fecurity  of 
every  believer  in  Cbfrft  Jefus  :  "  Being  juft-fied  by  faith  we 
have  peace  with  G.od,  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  :  by 
whom  alfo  we  have  accefs  by  faith  into  this  grace  where  n  we 
ftand,  and  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God.  And  not  on* 
ly  10.  but  we  glory  in  t  ibulations  alfo  :  knowing  that  tribula- 
tion worketh  patience  ;  and  patten -e,  experience  ;  and  expe- 
rience, hope  :  and  hope  maketh  not  afhamed  ;  be  au<e  the  love 
of  God  is  (h ■■-(]  abroad  in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghcff,  which 
U  gis  en  unto  us.'* 

Though  the  b ilyers  and  fellers  wereabafhed  and  puttofiigh^ 
fome  oi  the  conlequential  cavillers,  who  are  to  be  found  rn ev- 
ery ag",  and  in  even-  fociety,  maintain  the  ground,  and  call 
for  he  commiiuon  under  which  Jefus  acted.  ;*  Then  anfwer- 
ed  the  Jews,  and  faid  unto  hirn,  what  figa  (heweft  thou  unto 

us, 


jLeft,  xv a.  jesus  Christ.  m 

ps,  feeing  that   thou  doeft  tfcefe  things  ?y  This  furnifhed   him 

v-'ith  a  Fair  occafion  of  bringing  forward  the    peculiar  and   dtfr 

tinguUhing  do&rine  oi  his  rd  gion,  the  refurreciion  ol  "the  bod- 

-hi*,  h  was  foon  to  he  evcmp.uir.i   in  H-is    own    rcfurreclioQ 

..  the  dead^i  as  '*  life  ir ft  frui  •■■  of   them    that  fleep."     Thi* 

accordingly  conltitute  the    fuhject   of  the   neu   LeFture. 

"  Ble0ed  and  holy  is  he  that  hath  part  in  the  fiitt  rcfurreftioa 

ich  the  fecond  death  bath  no   power;  but   they   fliall   b* 

[If  oi  God  and  pi  Chj-iiV" 


LECTURE 


*c6  HISTORY  o?  [LecV  XIX, 


LECTURE  XIX. 


JOHN,    II.  l8— «£. 

Then  anfweredthp  Jews,  and  /aid  unto  him,  what  fan  Jhewefi 
thou  unto  us, Jeang  that  thou  doeji  tfaje  things  f  Jtjus  an- 
Jwered  and  jaid  unto  them,  dejtroy  this  tempt,  and  in  three 
days  I  wUl  taijt  it  up.  then  jaid  the  Jew>,  forty  ana  fix 
years  was  th>.s  temp'c  in  building,  and  witt  thou  rear  it  up  in 
thee  days  f  but  he  /pake  0/  the  temple  qj  as  body.  IVnen, 
therefore,  he  was  1  ijenji  am  the  uead,  /as  ai/c  p  rs  it  memoeied, 
that  he  had /aid  this  unto  than  ;  and  they  be,ttved  the  S^rip- 
iurt;  ana  th<>  word  which  jejus  had  /aid.  Aow  when  he 
was  in  Jerufutm  at  the  ptijfooer,  in  the  Jtajl-day,  many  be- 
lieved in  h  s  name,  when  the)  aw  tke  miracles  which  he  did. 
But  Jejus  did  not  commit  himjetj  unto  them,  becau  e  he  knew 
au  meti:  and  needed  not  that  anyjkou  a  tjtijy  oj  man  ;  J: or 
he  knew  what  was  in  man, 

THE  aftions  and  events  of  ChrilVs  life  are  the  bafis  on 
which  the  truth  and  importance  of  his  doctrine  left,  and 
the  fohdity  of  the  foundation  rauft  beeftimated  from  the  it  rue- 
ture  which  it  fupports.  The  foundation  of  a  building  lies  buri- 
ed under  ground,  and  cannot  be  examined  by  the  eye ,  out  when 
we  behold  a  {lately,  lofty  and  venerable  pile,  which  has  with- 
stood the  attack  of  ages,  and  which  flill  preiei.ts  unoiminifhed 
beauty  and  fhength,  we  juftly  reafon  from  what  we  do  lee  to 
what  we  do  not  ;  and  we  feel  ourfelves  conftraincd  10  applaud 
the  excellency  mi  the  defign,  from  «he  per  ectnels  and  durabil- 
ity ol  the  execution.  '*  Behold,"  faith  the  Lord  God,  by  1  ,e 
mouth  ot  the  prophet  Ifaiah,  more  than  [even  centuries  before 
the  fabric  began  to  appear,  "  behold,  I  lay  in  Zion  tor  a  foun- 
dation a  flone,  a  tried  Gone,  a  precious  corner  itone,  a  lure 
foundation  :  he  that  believeth  {hall  not  make  hafte.  Judgment 
alio  will  I  lay  to  the  line,  and  righteoufnefs  to  the  plummet." 
Here  is  the  defign  of  the  fovereign  Architect,  not  fleeping  like 
many  a  beautiful  human  plan  in  the  portfolio  of  the  artift> 
never  to  be  realized,  but  quick  with  the  fpirit  of  life,  already- 
executed  "  in  the  purpofe  of  him  who  worketh  all  things  af. 


ter 


Le&.  XtX.]  JESUS  CHRTST.  f*g 

ter  the  counfel  of  his  own  will,"  and  to  arife,  in  due  time,  th* 
wonder  of  angels  and  of  men.  T  iisJ>ui!ding  o[  God  at  length, 
began  to  appear  and  to  afcend.  Bin  it  accorded  not  with  hu- 
man ideas  ot  grandeur  and  mag  nficence.  The  very  depofi- 
taries  ot  the  original  defign,  we  e  the  firft  10  refill  the  comple- 
tion ot  it,  bccauf*  it  juftinVd  n  >1  their  prejud  c  s  and  prepof. 
feflions.  Their  oppotrijn,  however,  ferved  only  more  tlluf- 
trioufly  to  difplay  the  manifold  wifdom  and  goodnefs  ot  God, 
and  to  expofe  the  weaknefs  and  lolly  ot  man.  Had  the  edifice* 
been  of  man's  devi  ng  and  rearing  it  couid  no1  have  itood 
"  the  wafhing  of  a  tide,"  lor  the  "  foolim  man  bu;lt  his  houfe 
upon  the  fand  :  and  the  rain  defcended,  and  the  floods  came, 
and  the  winds  blew,  and  i.eat  upon  th  t  houfe:  and  it  fell  : 
and  great  was  the  fall  of  it"  But  infinite  Wifdom  founded 
the  fabric  ot  Chriftia  my  upon  <*  rock.  The  rains  have  de- 
fcended,  the  floods  ha\e  come,  the  winds  have  blown  and  heat- 
en  upon  this  houfe,  but  it  has  not  fallen;  for  it  is  founded  upon 
a  rock. 

In  t^e  gofpel  hiftory  we  behold  the  grouniibor  or  plat- 
form  ot  the  Chriflian  religion.  It  principally  confifts  in  a 
narration  of  plain,  unadorned  tatls  welf  authenticated,  ind-ed, 
but  recommended  by  no  artificial  polilh,  and  deriving  all  their 
importance  and  effect,  from  their  own  native  truth  and  excel- 
lence, le*vmv?4  nevenhelefs,  as  a  folid  fuf,port  to  the  precepts, 
the  promises,  the  predictions  thedoHnnes.  the  confolatons  ot 
our  moft  holy  faith.  Take,  tor  inftance..  the  event  which  our 
bleiled  Lord  in  the  paflage  which  has  now  been  read,  fore- 
told concerning  himlelf,  namely,  that  the  temple  of  his  body 
ihonld  e  d*  fir  yed,  and  in  three  days  raifed  up  again.  Novv 
wh^n  this  event  aMually  did  take  place,  not  only  was  the  ve- 
racity ot  Jelus,  as  a  prophet,  completely  eflablimed,  but  a 
foundation'  was  laid  of  (ufBcient  ftren  :th  to  fuftain  the  whole 
weight  of  the  Chrtftian's  hope,  of  a  refurrecfion  to  life  and 
immortality  We  fhall.  therefore,  fi  ft  confider  thisall-impor- 
tant  donrine.  in  the  htflory  which  is  the  foundation  of.  it, 
and   then   in  the  fuperft  u"t.i  e   reared. 

In  purifying  the  temple  f  om  he  abominations  praftifed  in  it, 
Jt  fus  h  :d  undoubtedly  a  flu  me  .i  the  authority  of  one  inverted  in 
the  off]  eof  magiftracy  or  wim  rfv»  charter  of  a  prophet.  That 
he  was  no  magtftrare  all  men  knew  and  he  never  pretended  to  it. 
To  have  a".red  in  this  capacity  micht  ha^e  been  confideiedas 
ufurpa  ion.  As  a  prophet,  -hen  and  only  as  a  prophet,  could  he 
ap.e^r  in  the  character  of  a  publi  reformer.  But  it  is  requi- 
fite  that  a  prophet  Ihould  produce  his  credentials.  This  fug- 
gefted  the  demand  :  •'  What  lign  fheweft  thou  unto  us  feeing 
that  thou  doeit  thefe  things  ?"  which  plainly  implied,  that  one 

aclin/* 


msfoRY  oj  f'Le&'&riti 

acVtng  under  a  commifiion  from  heaven,  was  obliged  to  fup~ 
port  hb  claim  by  a  fign  from  heaveri.  But  is  there  need  to 
produce  fupernatural  tefrimony  to  a  right  to  retoim  known, 
public,  flagrant  abufe  ?  Did  not  their  own  hiftory  furniih  sf 
rioted  inftance  ot  a  private  perfon's  affuming  tffe  fwbrd  of 
luftice,  and  afting  at  once  as  judge  and  executioner,  in  the 
cafe  of  open  and  grofs  violation  of  the  divine  law;  that  of 
Phinehas,  who  was  but  the  grandfon  of  Aaron  the  pried? 
He  not  only  became  liable  to  no  cenfure,  but  obtained  a  death- 
lefs  name, and  an  honourable  office  for  his  feafonabie  interpola- 
tion. "  Then  Rood  up  Phinehas,  and  executed  judgment :  and 
fo  the  plague  was  flayed.  And  that  was  counted  unto  him  for 
lighteoufnefs-  unto  all  generations  tor  evermore."  Did  not  the 
fign,  in  the  prefent  inftance,  appear  in  the  act?  D'id  not  the 
great  Reformer  authenticate  his  powers  by  themanner  in  which 
he  exercifed  them,  and  by  the  efTe6i  which  they  produced  ? 
Did  the  guilty  refill?  Did  they  call  in  queflion  his  authority? 
Did  they  drag  him,  in  their  turn,  to  the  tribunal  ?  No,  they  feer 
his  afcendant  and  (hrink  from  his  rebuke.  Who,  then,  call 
for  a  fign  ?  Not  the  offenders;  they  had  received  fufficient 
evidence :  not  the  populace,  for  they  mud  have  been  equally- 
overawed  and  confounded.  The  rulers  ot  the  jews  hearing  ol 
this  lingular  tranfaclion,  foifie  ot  them,  perhaps,  being  on  the. 
fpot,  and  eye-witneiles  of  what  paded,  jealous  of  their  honour, 
and  confidering  their  prerogative  as  invaded  ;  they,  as  men 
having  authority,  demanded  a  fign.  From  their  general  charac- 
ter, and  from  the  inefficacy  of  this  and  other  figns  afterwards 
given,  we  know  from  what  motive  the  prefent  demand  was 
»ade  ;  not  in  the  fpirit  of  meeknefs,  not  from  the  love  of  truth* 
not  to  obtain  conviction;  but  in  the  hope  of  finding  occafion 
to  cenfure,  or  of  putting  the  aiTuined  authority  of  Ghrii  to  a 
tefl  which  it  could  not  fland. 

A  fign  is  given  them,  and  a  mofl  remarkable  one  it  is.- 
*;  Jefos  anfwered  and  faid  unto  them,  dellroy  this  temple,  and 
in  three  days  I  will  raife  it  up."  Whatever  confiruclion  the 
Jews  might  put  on  thefe  words,  what  Jefus  intended  to  convey 
h  obvious,  and  it  was  in  every  point  juflifkd  by  the  correi- 
ponding  event.  He  who  is  fimplicity  and  truth  itfelf  could 
have  no  defign  to  mifiead.  The  action  and  emphafis  with 
which  be  fpake,  clearly  pointed  out  the  object.  The  general 
attention  had  juft  been  directed  to  a  temple  made  with  hands, 
a  temple  wickedly  profaned  by  an  abominable  traffic,  which 
was  connived  at  by  its  profefied  confervators,  and  whofe  hon- 
our had  been  fo  nobly  vindicated  by  a  ftranger.  That  ftranger 
had  already  attracted  general  notice*  by  the  Angularity   of   hjs 

fpeech 


\XIX.J  JESUS    CHRIST. 

fpeech  and  deportment  ;  every  eye  was  fixed  upon  him,  his 
every  attitude  and  geflure  were  obferved,  and  thefe  plainly  in- 
dicated  that  the  temple  to  be  deftroyed,  and  raifed  up  in.  three 
days, could  not  be  the  venerable  piie  in  the  court  of  which  this 
converfation  palled.  When  he  afterwards  foretold  the  ap- 
proaching deitruclion  of  that  temple,  he  ex  pre  (Ted  himfelf  in 
terms  not  liable  to  mifapprehenfion.  *■  As  he  went  out  of  the 
temple,  one  of  his  difciples  faith  unto  him,  Mailer,  fee  what 
manner  of  flones  and  what  buildings  are  here  !  And  Jefus  an- 
fwering  laid  unto  him,  Gceft  thou  thefe  great  buildings  ?  there 
(hall  not  be  left  one  fcone  upon  another,  that  lhall  not  be  thrown 
down."  Now  he  points  to  an  edifice  infinitely  more  facred. 
Prom  Both  the  firli  r.nd  fecond  hou[rs  built  on  mount  Zion 
the  glory  had  long  fince  departed.  The  fenfible  tokens  of  the 
divine  prefence  were  withdrawn.  The  holy  oracle  was  no 
!onger  confulted  by  Urim  and  Thummim,  But  in  Him,  who 
■was  the  only  glory  of  the  feeond  houfe,  '*  dwelled  all  the  ful- 
nefs  of  the  Godhead  bodily,"  and  the  deftruriion  of  this  I 
pie  he  thus  predicts  as  a  fign  not  to  the  men  of  that  generation 
only,  but  to  all  ages,  even  to  the  end  of  the  world.  From  the 
very  nature  of  prophecy,  a  vail  mull  be  drawn  between  the 
prediction  and  the  event.  "Hope  rh'at  is  feen  is  not  hope,"  and 
"faith  is  the  fubftance  of  things  hoped  for,  the  evidence  of 
things  not  feen."  Chrift  indulges  not  thofe  unbelievers  with 
an  immediate  difplay  of  his  miraculous  power,  in  fupport  of 
his  pretentions  to  the  character  of  a  prophet,  which  they  could 
«afily  have  explained  away,  or  mifintcrpreted  ;  but  he  reiers 
them  to  a  fign  {fcortly  to  be  exhibited,  which  fhould  be,  at  once, 
the  exa£t  accomplifhment  of  a  well  known  prediction,  and  the 
greatelf  miracle  that  can  poflibfy  exift.  That  the  mifconcep- 
tion  of  the  Jews  was  perverfe  and  affecled  is  evident  from  this, 
that  when  they  had  a£"tually  fulfilled  the  part  of  the  prediBion 
which  depended  on  themfelves,  bydeftroying  that  (acred  tem- 
ple, we  find  them  labouring  under  the  rnoff  dreadful  appre- 
henfion  that  Jefus  would  accomplish  the  other  part,  which  de- 
pended on  him,  and  they  employ  every  precaution,  which  ter- 
ror could  fuggeft,  to  prevent  and  defeat  it.  "  The  chief  priefh 
and  Pharifeec  came  together  unto  Pilate,  faying,  Sir,  we  remem- 
ber that  that  deceiver  fald,  while  he  was  yet  alive,  After  three 
days  I  will  rife  again.  Command,  therefore,  that  the  fepul- 
chre  be  made  fure  until  the  third  day,  left  his  difciples  come 
by  night  and  Ileal  him  away,  and  fay  unto  the  people,  He  is 
Tifen  from  the  dead  :  fo  the  Lift  error  fha!!  be  worfe  than 
the  firfl."  And  when  the  aftonifhed  watch  came  into  ihe  city, 
*ad  made   report   to  thei:  jrers,  ct  4'  all  the  things  that 

C  c  were 


jio  ill  o  TORY  Ul  [Lt£k.  xii\ 

■wjere  done,"  did  it  produce  conviftion  ?  No,  it  only  filled  them 
wi  h  mortification,  and  kindled  rage.  "  The  chief  priefts, 
when  they  were  aifembled  with  the  elders,  and  had  taken  coun- 
fel,  they  gave  la; ge  money  unto  the  foldiers,  faying,  fay  ye, 
His  difciples  came  by  nigh't.and  ftole  him  away  while  we  flept. 
And  if  this  come  to  the  governor's  ears,  we  will  perfuade  him, 
and  fecure  you."  To  what  purpofe,  .then,  afk  for  a  fign  ? 
They  refill  and  rejcft  the  rooft  illuftrious,"  which,  with  rever- 
ence be  it  fpoken,  Godhimielt  could  give,  thereby  approving 
the  truth  of  what  Jefus  on  another  occafion  faid,  u  If  they  hear 
not  Moles  and  the  prophets,  neither  will  they  be  pcrfuaded, 
though  one  role  from  the  dead." 

**  Deftroy  this  temple."  Let  it  be  obferved,  that  this  is  fimpJy 
a  prediction  or  fuppofition,  and  not  a  precept,  equivalent  to, 
•\e  zvill  deftroy  this  temple,  or,  though  ye  Jhculd  deftroy  this 
temple.  It  if  a  mode  ot  expreflicn  that  frequently  occurs  in 
Scripture.  Thus  in  the  Old  Tefiament,  Joleph  fays  to  his 
brethren,  "  this  do,  and  live,"  that  is,  do  this,  and  ye  fliall  live. 
Thus  God  fpeafcs  to  Mjfes,  '*  Get  thee  up  into  this  mountain, 
and  die  in  the  mount  whither  thou  goeft  up,  and  be  gathered 
unto  thy  people,"  meaning  evidently,  thou  Jlialt  die  in  the 
mount,  and  flia it  be  gathered  unto  thy  people.  Thus,  Ifaiah 
viii.  o.  "  Take  counfeltogether^.and  it  (hall  come  to  nought ; 
fpeak  the  word,  and  it  fliall  not  ftand  :"  that  is,  though  ye  take 
counfel  together,  and  though  ye  fpeak  the  w-ofd.  And  in  the 
New  Tefiament,  the  word  of  Chnfi  to  Judas,  V  that  thou  doff, 
do  quickly,"  cannot  be  confidered  as  a  command  to  accomplifh 
his  plan  of  treachery,  but  merely  as  an  intimation  that  he  was 
feen  through,  and  tl  at  under  the  imiulfe  ot  a  diabolic  fpirit, 
he  was  hurrying  on  to  commit  that  dreadful  enormity.  Thus 
Paul  exhorts,  "  B<-  angry  and  fin  not  ;"  furely  nor  as  if  he 
meant  to  encourage  violent  tranfports  of  wrath,  but  in  the  e- 
vent  of  a<man's  giving  way  to  a  fit  of  paffion,  theapoftle  means 
10  guard  him  a-gainft  excefiive  indulgence  in  it,  by  reftricling 
its  duration  to  the  going  down  of  the  fun.  This  early  notice 
did  Jefus  give,  not  to  his  difciples  only,  but  to  all  who  came 
to  worfhip  in  the  temple,  "  of  his  difeafe  which  he  fhould  ac- 
complifh a-  Jerusalem  ;"  that  it  fhould  be  effected  by  the  hand 
ot  violence  ,  not  by  decay,  but  by  deitruciion,  and  that  his 
own  count) y men  mould  be  the  perpetrators  ot  it.  This  decla- 
iuuoii  wa.  frequently  repeated,  and  became  plainer  and  plain- 
er, till  the  fact  jufiified  every  particular  of  the  prediction. 

M  This  temple."  Our  bleffed  Lord  in  this  place  and  elfe- 
where  denominates  his  body  a  temple,  as  declaratory  of  his  fu- 
^liorityuotlie  lofty  pile  on  Myunt  Zion,  even  in   its  greatefl 

glory*, 


X,t8.    XIX.]  JESUS     CHRIST.  »?1 

g*ory,  much  more  in  its  then  degraded  defiled  flate.  *'  I  fay 
unto  you,"  addrefhng  himfelf  to  the  pharifees,  "that  in  this 
place  is  one  greater  than  the  temple,"  becaufe  Deity  refided 
continually  and  infeparably  in  him,  as  the  Jews  believed  he  did 
in  that  which  was  built  by  SolomoH,  in  aniwer  to  that  petition  ; 
M  O  Loid  my  God.  hearken  unto  the  cry  and  to  the  prayer 
which  thy  fervant  prayeih  before  thee  to-day  :  that  thine  eye* 
inav  be  opened  toward  this  houfe  night  and  day,  even  toward 
the  place  of  which  thou  1  alt  faid,  My  name  ihall  be  there:" 
according  as  it  was  loretold  by  Moles  near  five  centuries,  be- 
fore :  tk  Tuen  there  lhall  be  a  place  which  the  l.oid  your  God 
ihall  cho-  (f  to  caufe  his  name  to  dwell  there."  J  Tephus  informs 
us  that  not  only  did  .the  anfwer  to  Solomon's  prayer  imply 
a  real  and  ienfible  refidcnce  of. Deity,  hut  that  it  was  the  uni- 
Merial  belief  of  the  Jews  and  of  the  Grangers  who  tifit.ed  Jeiu- 
falem,  that  there  was  an  mgreis  of  God  into  the  temple,  and  a 
habitation  in  it  :  and,  in  an<  *h<jr  phar.e  that  God  deicended  and 
pitched  his  tabernacle  there.  The  Jews  themleNes,  however, 
admitted,  that  whatever  glory  thefe  e,\pielTions  might  figmfy 
was  now  departed.  To  retime  that  glory,  a'  d  to  bellow  it  on 
the  fecond  t  mple  in  more  abundant  meafure  than  the  fir  ft  ev- 
e?  pofleffed  was  the  end  of -ChrUt's  million  ;  and  in  htm  was 
the  prediction  fulfilled  :  "  The  glory  of  this  latter  houfe  (hall 
be  greater  than  of  the  former,  faith  the  Lord  of  holts."  He  was 
that  oracle  by  whofe  anfwers  all  light  and  truth  were  emitted  ; 
the  true  Schechinah  who  had  the  fpirit  without  meafure  he  was 
2nointed  with  the  '•  oil  of  gladnefs  above  hisiellows,"  and  thus 
in  all  refpects  greater  than  the  temple.  7Aa*iemplef  fays  he, 
which  you  have  defiled  I  have  cleanfcd  :  aid  this  temple  pf 
my  body,  which  you  are  going  to  delh.oy,  I  will  raife  up  a- 
gain. 

When  this  prediction  was  verified  by  the  .matter  off  aft,  that 
facl  became  the  foundation  of  one  of  the  diilinguilhing  doc- 
trines of  the  gofpel,  the  refurrection  of  the  dead.  Jefus  early 
taught  and  frequently  repeated' it,  that  it  might  be  clearly  un- 
deritood  and  carefully  remembered.  1  he  impoftor  is  at  pains 
to  conceal  his  purpofe  till  it  is  ripe  for  execution.  He  fears 
prevention,  and  therefore  endeavours  to  take  yo:i  by  furprize. 
The  thief  gives  no  warning  of  his  ap-proach,  but  comes  upon 
men  while  they  fleep.  The  true  prophet  difclofes  his  defign, 
prepares,  forewarns,  purs  the  perfon  who  doubts  or  difbelieves 
i^pon  his  guard,  bids  defiance  to  prevention.  His  own  refur- 
r-ection,  and  the  doctrine  of  a  general  refurrertion  which  is 
founded  upon  it,  were  not  barely  hinted  at,  or  declared  in  ob- 
ic ure  and  equivocal  terms.     They  were  not  the  cafual   topic, 

and 


W  HISTORY  o^*  [Left.   XIX* 

ami  for  once  only.,  of  private  convention  wiih  his  difciples. 
No,  this  was  a  leading,  a  commanding  object,  prefented  con- 
tinually to  view,  placed  in  the  flrongefl  light,  announced  with 
equal  fairnefs  and  ./implicit}'  to  friends  and  to  enemies.  *'  And 
Jefus  going  up  to  Jerufalem,  took  the  twelve  difciples  apart  in 
the  way,  and  faid  uuto  them,  behold,  we  go  up  to  Jerufalem  ; 
and  the  Son  of  man  fhall  be  betrayed  unto  the  chief  priefts  and 
unto  the  fcribes,  and  they  fhall  condemn  him  to  death,  and  (hall 
deliver  him  to  the  Gentiles  to  mock,  and  to  fcourge,  and  to 
crucify  him  ;  and  the  third  day  he  fhall  rife  again."  He  de- 
clares the  fame  truth  thus  openly  in  the  court  or  the  terapleu 
He  repeats  it  in  the  prefcnce  and  hearing  of  the  multitude, 
44  when  the  people  were  gathered  thick  together,  then  certain  oi 
the  fcribes.and  of  the  phanfees  anfwered,  faying,  Mafter,  we 
would  fee  a  ftgn  from  thee.  But  he  anfwered  and  laid  unto 
them,  an  evil  and  adulterous  generation  feeketh  after  a  fjgn  ; 
and  there  fhall  no  fign  be  given  to  it,  but  the  fign  of  the  proph- 
et Jonas.  For  as  Jonas  was  three  days  and  three  nights  in  the 
whale's  belly,  fo  fhall  the  Son  of  man  be  three  days  and  three 
nights  in  the  heart  of  the  earth"-  The  Sadducees,  opponents 
iiill  more  virulent, tfian  the  Pharifees,  perfectly  underftood  him 
as  meaning  on  the  bafis  of  his  own,  to  eftablifh  the  belief  of  a 
refnrrection  of  the  body  ;  for  they  argue  with  him  on  the  fub- 
je£r,  andi frame  a  cafe  which  they  fuppofed. would  reduce  the 
author  of  the  do  trine  to  an  absurdity.  'This  afforded  our  Lord 
an  opportunity  or  (hewing  that  the  dc:fnne  in  difpute  was  ac- 
tually an  article  in  their  own  creed,  as  being  the  difciples  of 
Mofes.  Thus  it  runs  through  the  whole  of  divine  Revelation. 
The  fathers  beyond  the  flood  lived  and  died  in  this  faith.  The 
duff,  of  Abraham,  Kaac  and  Jacob  thus  refted  and  refts  in  hope. 
It  is  indeed  more  clearly  flated  under  the  Gofpel  difpenfation, 
and  the  ground  of  it  is  more  fully  demon ftrated,  that  is,  the 
dawning  light  of  the  morning  gradually  brightened  into  the 
per  feci:  day, 

"  In  three  days  /  will  rai  Te.it  up."  Thisisan  explicit  decla- 
ration  of  his  own  inherent  Deity,  tor  God  alone  has  the  riglu 
and  the  power  over  life  and  death  An  angel  may  be  the  del- 
egated inflrument  in  executing  the  lentence  of  divine  juftice, 
by  taking  away  life  ;  as  in  the  cafe  of  the  firftborn  of  £gypt,  of 
thofe  who  fell  by  the  peftilence,to  the  number  of  feventy  thou- 
fand,  for  the  offence  of  David  in  numbering  the  people,  andot 
the  hundred,  fourfcore  and  five  thoufand  fmitten  in  one  night, 
in  the  camp  of  the  AfTyrians.  But  we  no  where  find  the  pow- 
er of  quickening  the  dead  delegated  to  a  created  being.  Man 
has  the  defperate  power  ot  deftroying  his  own  body,  but  there 

it 


;-:'i>:.j  JESUS  CHRIST.  *i$ 

i{  end",  and  the  difembodied  fpirit  ceafes  from  all  power  to  re- 
par  the  awful  violence  which  it  has  committed.  Man  cannot 
i  mere  atl  of  his  will  even  lay  down  his  lile,  any  moie 
ihan  he  can  reanimate  the  bjeathlefs  clay.  It  is  the  incommu- 
nicable prerogative  of  him  who  has  hie  in  himfeif,  to  dilpoie 
of  it  at  pleafure.  This  prerogative  Jefus  Chrift  claims  and  ex* 
ercifes.  Ci  For  as  the  Father  raifeth  up  the  dead,  and  quicken, 
e  h  them  ;  even  to  the  Son  quickeneth  whom  he  wiii."  In 
the  cafe  ol  his  own  death,  it  was  an  ad  of  fovereign,  almighty 
power.  "  Jrfds  laid,  It  is  finished  :  and  he  bowed  hw  head, 
£nd  §*V6  up  theghoft,"  while  as  yet  the  principle  ol  natural 
life  was  ftrong  within  him,  thus  demonftiating  that  his  aflertioa 
concerning  himfeif  was  founded  in  truth:  "  I  lay  down  my 
life,  that  I  might  take  it  again.  No  man  taketh  it  irora  me,  but 
I  lay  it  down  of  myfelf  :  1  have  power  to  lay  it  down,  and  I 
power  to  take  it  again."  And  un  this  power  over  his 
own  life,  he  founds  his  right  of  difpenfing  hie  and  death  to 
otheis.  "  And  this  is  the  Father's  wiil  which  bath  fent  me, 
that  of  all  which  he  hath  given  me  I  fhould  lofe  nothing,  but 
{hould  raife  it  up  again  at  the  lafl  day.  And  this  is  the  will  o£ 
him  that  lent  me,  that  every  one  which  feeth  the  Son,  and  be. 
lieveth  on  him,  may  have  everiafting  life  ;  and  I  will  raife 
him  up  at  the  J  a  ft  day."  Whether  therefore  it  is  laid  tha; 
"  Chrift  was  raifed  up  frrom  the  dead  by  the  glury  of  the  Fa- 
ther," or  that  he  himfeir  raffed  up  the  temple  of  his  body,  one 
and  the  fame  fource  of  life,  one  controling,  irreftflibie  will, 
and  one  fupreme,  efficient  power  are  difplayed, 

"Then  faid  the  Jews,  Forty  and  fix  years  was  this  temple 
hi  building,  and  wilt  thou  rear  it  up  in  three  days  ?"  It  has 
been  already  (hewn  that  this  was  a  wilful  mifapprehenfion  : 
and  it  exhibits  a  humiliating  view  of  the  power  of  prejudice. 
Something  may  be  made  of  a  flupid  child,  if  he  be  difpofed  to 
exert  the  poor  faculties  which  be  pofleires,  but  obflinacy  fet$ 
difcipline  at  defiance.  It  is  poflible  to  afhlt  weak  eyes,  but 
what  can  be  done  for  the  man  who  wilfully  fhuts  them,  or  who 
madly  plucks  them  out  ?  To  enter,  with  commutators,  into 
difcufnon  refpeefing  the  period  of  the  temple's  rebuilding,  is 
foreign  to  our  purpofe.  What  is  it  to  us  how  long  time  was 
employed  in  the  woik,  by  what  prince  or  princes  it  was  car. 
ned  on,  and  what  was  its  comparative  magnificence,  with  re- 
lation to  the  fir  11  temple,  and  to  other  ftructines  of  a  fimilar 
kind  ?  But  it  is  of  high    ii  .  •  to  know,  that  the  predic- 

tion of  Chriil  concerning  it,  already  quoted,  was  exactly  fulfil- 
led, about  forty  years  afterward  ;  when  Jerufalem  was  befieg- 
ed  and  taken  by  the  Emperor  Titus,  was    pillaged  and   burnt, 

the. 


*:  4  H  LST  ©  R  Y  o  ?  [£ett.  JC I  X . 

thf  temple  completely  deftroyed,  upwards  of  one  million  and 
«tne  hundred  thoufaud  ot  the  Jewsdeftroyed  by  fdmine  and  the 
Pvvord,  ninety-feven  thoufand  taken  prifoners,  the  whole  na- 
tion expatria»ed  and  difperfed  ,  and  that  the  (late  of  the  tern- 
pie  from  the  year  ot  Chrifl  70  down  to  the  prefent  802,  and 
of  this  fcattered,  degraded,  yet  providentially  iupported  and 
diftingui(hed  people,  at  this  day,  are  a  (landing  evidence  ot  the 
truth  and  certainty  of  the  things  wherein  we  have  been  inftrucl- 
ed.  He  is. faithful  and  true  who  prom'fes  and  who  threa  ens. 
V  When  ye '{hall  fee  Jerufalem  compared  with  armies,  then 
know  that  the  defolation  thereofis  nigh.  Then  let  them  which 
are  in  Judea  flee  to  the  mountains  ;  and  let  th^m  whicn  are  in 
ihe  midfl  of  it  depart  out  ;  and  let  not  them  that  are  in  the 
countries  enter  thereinto.  For  the(e  be  the*  d  ty  ot  vengeance, 
that  all  things  which  are  written  may  be  fulfilled.  And  they 
fhall  fall  by  the  edge  ot  the  fword,  and  lhall  be  led  away  cap- 
tive into  all  nations  :  and  Jerufalem  (hall  ne trodden  do'vn  of 
the  Gentiles,  until  the  times  of  the  Gentiles  he  fulfilled.  And 
there  (hall  be  figns  in  the  fun,  and  in  the  moon,  and  in  the  flars  ; 
and  upon  the  earth  diilrefs  of  nations,  with  perplexity  ;  thefea 
and  the  waves  roaring;  men's  hearts  tailing  hem 'or  tear, 
and  for  looking  after  thofe  things  which  are  coming  on  the 
earth  :  tor  the  powers  of  heaven  (hall  be  fhakeri.  Verily  Hay 
u.nto  you,  this  generation  fhall  not  pa  saway  till  all  be  fulfilled. 
Heaven  and  earth  (hall  pifs  away  ;  but  my  words  (hall  not  pafs 
away." 

"  When  therefore  he  was  rifen  from  the  dead,  his  difciples 
remembered  that  he  had  faid  this  unto  them."  Words  as  they 
are  fpoken,  and  events  as  they  pafs,  frequently  make  a  flight 
impreffion,  but  when  recalled  and  fixed  by  fome  ftriking  cor- 
refpondent  circumftance,  they  rufh  on  the  mind  like  a  torrent, 
and  we  wonder  at  our  own  preceding  careleflnefs  and  inatten- 
tion. Had  the  difciples  been  men  quick  of  apprehenfion,  and 
of  eafy  belief,  the  fabrication  of  a  cunningly  devifed  fable  might 
have  been  iufpecled  :  but  they  were  perfons  ot  a  fimplicity  ot 
character  that  fometimes  bordered  on  flupidity  ;  they  were 
**  flow  of  heart  to  believe  ;"  they  often  mifunderflood  their 
matter  ;  they  were  ot  all  mankind  the  mod  unfit  to  plan  and 
to  fupport  impoflure.  When  Jefus  fpake  ot  deflroying  and 
of  raiting  up  again  the  temple  of  his  body,  the  Jews  wilfully 
perverted  his  meaning,  and  his  difciples  feern  hardly  to  have 
marked  his  words.  The  greatefl  of  miracles  mud  be  perform- 
ed to  fuhdue  the  incredulity  of  the  one,  and  to  roufe  the  atten- 
tion of  the  other.  In  both  we  contemplate  the  wrath  and  the 
weakness  of  man  miniftring  to  the  glory  oi  God.    It  was  meet 

that 


Jieft.  XIX, -]  JESUS    CHRIST*.  #& 

thati'i*  mouth  of  malignity  (hould  be  flopped,  and  that  th£ 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jefus  fbould  he  taught  to  the  world  by  men- 
whofe  own  ignorance  had  been  inltrufted,  whofe  doubts  had 
been  removed,  whofe  iaith  had  been  eitablifhed.  "  We  ftili- 
have  this  treafure  in  earthen  ve.Tels,  that  the  excellency  oi  the 
power  may  be  ot  God,  and  not  ot  us." 

The  ref-irrection  of  Chrift  from  the  dead,  therefore,  fo  clear- 
ly predi  'ed,  and  fo  exi&ly  accomplifhed,  fupplies  the  Chrif- 
tian  world,  in  every  age,  with  the  firmeft  bafis  of  faith,  and 
■with  the  pureil  lource  ot  hope  and  joy.  Thp  apoflle  of  the 
Gentiles,  once  the  mofl  violent  oppofer  of  tu'e  facl:,  and  of  the 
doctrine  founded  upon  it.  thus  collects  the  evidence  :  *'  For  I 
delivered  unto  you  firfl  of  all  that  which  I  alio  received,  how 
that  Chrift  died  for  our  fins,  according  to  the  fcriptures  ;  and 
that  he  was  buried,  and  that  he  rofe  again  the  third  day,  accord- 
ing to  the  fcriptures;  and  that  he  was  feer.  ot  Cephas,  then  of 
the  twelve  :  after  that  he  was  feen  of  above  five  hundred  breth- 
ren at  once  ;  ot  whom  the  greater  part  remain  unto  this  pref- 
ent,  biu  fome  are  fallen  afleep.  After  that  he  was  ieen  ot 
James ;  then  of  all  the  apoftles.  And  lafl  ot  all  he  was  feen 
of  me  alfo,  as  of  one  born  out  of  due  time."  Paul's  reafomng 
upon  the  fubj.e£t  is  conclufive  and  fatisfa£lory  ;  it  meets  the 
human  heart  in  all  its  defires  and  expectations.  We  refign- 
ourfelves  to  the  iiroke  of  death  with  compofure.  We  bury 
our  dead  out  of  our  fight,  without  bidding  them  a  final  fare- 
Wf-1,  becaufe  "  the  flefh  alfo  fhall  reft  in  hope."  **  For  if  we 
believe  that  Jefus  died,  and  rofe  again,  even  fo  them  alfo  which 
fleep  in  Jefus  u  ill  God  bring  with  him."  (i  This  corruptible 
muft  put  on  incorruption.and  this  mortal  mutt  put  on  immor- 
tality. So  when  this  corruptible  (hall  have  put  on  incorrup- 
tion,  and  this  mortal  fhali  have  put  on  immortality,  then  (hall 
be  brought  to  pafs  the  faying  that  is  written,  death  is  fwallow- 
ed  up  in  victory." 

The  importance  of  this  doc.lrine,  in  the  fcale  of  Chriitianity, 
will  warrant  our  following  up  the  article  ot  our  Lord's  hiftory 
which  we  have  been  reviewing  to  its  more  remote  eflMs  and 
ermfequences.  This  will  accordingly  form  the  fubftance  of 
the  following  Lecture. 

Thispaffwer  arror  led  occafionof  working  various  other  pub. 
Itc  miracles,  which  are  no',  enumerated  in  the  facrediecord  but 
whi<  h  attracted  afention,  and  produced  convi6Hon  in  the  minds 
of  many  who  Paw  and  heard  him.  He  was  now  at  the  metrop-' 
©lis  ot  tie  country,  and  at  the  feafon  of  univerfal  refort  to  Je. 
r.ufalem.  Ot  'he  multitudes  who  flocked  thither  to  celebrate 
the  feait  ot  pafTbver,  very  many  mud  have  been  in  ihe  habit  of. 

fcarching, 


$ifl  .STORY   3f  [Lech 

fearchinsr  the  Scriptures,  and  were,  with  Simeon,  "  waiting  for 
the  confolationof  Ifracl,"and  with  Anna  the  prpphetefs,  "look- 
ing for  redemption  in  Jerufalem."  Perfons  of  this  defcriptiori 
muff  have  been  forcibly  imprefTed  with  the  perfona!  appear- 
ance of  Jefus  Chrift,  with  the  fingularity  of  his  manner  and  ad- 
cfrefs,  with  the  gravity  and  dignity  of  his  deportment,  with  the4 
authority  which  he^xercifed  in  teaching  and  reproving.  His 
zeal  in  the  purgation  of  the  temple,  and  the  iign  which  he  pro- 
pofed  as  the  evidence  of  his  million,  mull;  have  been  noticed 
and  felt.  When  thefe  proofs  of  an  extraordinary  characler 
were  accompanied  and  fupported  by  a  difplay  of  miraculous 
powers,  the  effect  mufl  have  been  what  the  Evangelift  relates  °. 
**  When  he  was  in  jerufalem  at  the  pafTover.  in  the  lead-day, 
many  believed  in  his  name  when  they  faw  the  miracles  which' 
ke  did."  Nor  was  this  impreiTion  confined  to  vulgar  minds, 
for  we  prefently  find  a  man  high  in  rank  and  office  bearing  tef- 
timony  to  Chrid's  prophetic  character,  and  to  the  foundation 
6n  which  it  refted.  "  Nicodemus,  a  pharifee  and  ruler  of  the 
jews,  came  to  Jefus  by  night,  and  laid  unto  him,  Rabbi,  we 
know  that  thou  art  a  teacher  come  from  God  :  for  no  man 
can  do  thefe  miracles  that  thou  doefr,,  except  God  be  with  him." 
But  the  facred  hiflorian  fuhjoins  a  reflection  rnoff.  humiliating 
to  human  nature  ;  for  it  implies  that  the  underflanding  may 
be  enlightened,  and  the  confcience  perfectly  convinced,  and 
yet  the  heart  remain  corrupted  and  malignant.  "  Many  be- 
lieved in  his  name,  when  they  faw  the  miracles  which  he  did." 
But  the  fearcher  of  hearts  difcerned  under  a  found  belief,  at 
dangerous,  an  unfubdued  perverfity  of  difpofition  in  which  he 
could  not  confide.  "  But  Jefus  did  not  commit  himfelf  unto 
them."  In  this  Chrifi  acted  as  a  pattern  to  his  difciples,  and 
conformed  himfelf  to  the  doctrine  which  he  taught  them. 
€4  Beware  of  men  :  be  ye  wife  as  ferpents,  and  harmlefs  as 
doves."  There  is  an  excefs  of  caution  unworthy  of  a  noble 
and  generous  mind,  which  damps  exertion  and  poifons  focie- 
ty.  But  there  is  alio  an  excels  of  confidence  which  puts  the 
candid  and  fin  cere  in  the  power  oi  the  crafty  and  designing. 
True  wifdom  fafely  conducts  its  pofleiTor  through  the  channel 
which  divides  them.  "  A  prudent  man,"  fays  Solomon,  "  fore- 
feeth  the  evil,  and  hideth  himfelf  :  but  the  fimple  pafs  on,  and 
are  punifhed." 

*'  The  chapter  concludes  with  an  afcription  to  Chrift  of  one 
of  the  incommunicable  attributes  ot  Deity,  the  knowledge  of 
the  thoughts  of  men  :  "  He  knew  all  men,  and  needed  not  that 
any  mould  teftify  of  man  :  for  he  knew  wha*  was  in  man." 
Of  this  he  had  given  an  illuftrious  inftaace  in  the  cafe  of  Na- 
than ael#- 


JLe£r0  XIX.]  JESUS  CHRIST,  217 

thanael,  whofe  chara&er  he  clearly  difcerned  before  any  per- 
fonal  intercourfe  had  taken  place  :  "  Before  that  Philip  called 
thee,  when  thou  waft  under  the  fig-tree,  I  faw  thee."  Here  it 
is  reduced  to  a  general  proposition  of  high  moment.  "  The 
Father  hath  committed  all  judgment  unto  the  Son  :"  and  he  is 
qualified  for  the  difcharge  of  this  all-important  office,  by  a  per- 
fect knowledge  not  only  ol  the  actions  ot  a  man's  life,  but  of 
the  motives  trom  which  he  a&ed,  and  of  the  end  at  which  he 
aimed.  May  it  be  engraved  on  the  living  table  ot  our  heart, 
that  God  "  hath  appointed  a  day  in  the  which  he  will  judge 
the  world  in  righteoufnefs  by  that  man  whom  he  hath  ordain- 
ed ;  whereof  he  hath  given  afTurance  unto  all  men,  in  that  he 
4iaxb  railed  him  from  the  dead." 


D  4L  LE  CTURE 


ei8  history  c*  [Left.  xsC, 


LECTURE  XX. 


I  CORINTHIANS,  XV.  35—44. 

Eutfomt  man  will fay,  How  are  the  dead  rah  fed  up  9  And  witk 
what  body  do  they  come  ?  Thou  fool,  that  which  thou  /owe ft 
is  not  quickened  except 'it die.  And  that  which  thou  fowefi9 
thou  fowefl  not  that  body  that fliall  he \  but  bare  grain,  it  may 
chance  of  *t  heat,  or  of  fome  other  grain  :  but  God  givetk  it  a 
body  as  it  hath  plea  fed  Him,  and  to  every  feed  his  own  body. 
AUflefti  is  not  the  fame  fie [h  :  but  there  is  one  kind  of  jlefh  of 
men,  another  Jlejli  of  beajls,  another  offifhes,  and  anottier  of 
birds.  There  are  a  I  jo  celeflial  bodies,  and  bodies  terrejlrial ; 
but  the  glory  of  the  ceieftial  is  one,  and  the  glory  of  the  terref 
trial  is  another.  There  is  one  glory  of  the  fun,  and  another 
glory  of  the  moon,  and  another  glory  of  the  jlars  ;  for  onejlar 
differ etk  from  another  far  in  glory.  So  alfo  is  the  rejurrec~ 
Hon  of  the,  dead  t  it  is  fown  in  corruption,  it  is  raifed  in  in- 
corruption  :  it  is  fown  in  dijhonour,  it  is  raifed  in  glory  :  if 
is  /own  in  weaknefs,  it  is  raifed  in  power  :  it  is  fown  a  natur- 
al body,  it  is  raifed  a  Ipintual  body.  There  is  a  natural  bo- 
dy, and  there  is  a  jpiritual  body. 

AFTER    ADMINISTERING    THE    LORD'S    SUPPER. 

TO  him  who  believes  in  the  life  and  immortality  which  are 
brought  to  light  by  the  gofpel  ;  to  him  who  has  the  wit- 
nels  of  death  every  day  prefented  to  his  eyes,  and  who  feels  it 
continually  in  his  own  frame,  can  it  ever  be  unfeafonable  or 
unprofitable  to  hear  of  the  ground  of  his  holy  faith,  of  his  glo- 
rious privileges  of  his  exalted  hope  ?  Does  the  worldling  ever 
tire  in  calculating  his  gains,  and  of  reckoning  over  his  hoard  ? 
Is  the  eugrer  heir  ever  cloyed  in  contemplating  his  fair  and  am- 
ple expefted  inheritance  ?  When  were  the  praifes,  the  report- 
ed fucceffes,  wifdom  and  virtue  of  a  darling  child,  a  burden  on 
the  liftening  ear  of  parental  afTeclion  ?  When  was  the  eye  fa- 
tigued in  furveying  the  beautiful  and  majeftic  fabric  of  nature, 
or  turned  away  from  it  with  difguft  ?  Wherefore,  then,  mould 
it  be  apprehended  that  the  difciple  of  Jefus,  who  has  fled   for 

refuge 


Lea.    XX.J  JESUS   CHRIST.  219 

redige  to  the  hope  fet  before  him,  whofe  brighteft  profpc&s 
open  beyond  the  grave,  who  is  rejoicing  in  the  promife  of  his 
Matter's  coming  M  the  feeond  time,  without  fin,  unto  falva- 
tion  ;"  wherefore  fuppofe  that  fuch  a  perfon  could  fay,  "  What 
a  wearinefs  is  it  !"  when  the  preacher's  theme  is  the  complete 
reftoration  of  man's  fallen  nature,  the  refurrcclion  of  the  body, 
the  perfe6t  refemblance  of  all  the  members  of  Chrift  to  the 
glorious  head,  the  final  and  unfading  triumph  of  redeeming 
Love?  No,  well-pleafed  you  withdraw  from  the  purluit  of 
temporal  pleafure  and  profit,  from  furveying  the  kingdoms  of 
this  world  and  the  glory  of  them,  from  contemplating  even  the 
more  glorious  wondeis  of  the  flarry  heavens,  to  expatiate  over 
the  blifsful  regions  of  Emanuel's  land,  to  drink  of  "  the  pure 
river  of  the  water  of  life,"  to  eat  of  the  fruit  of  the  tree  of  lite, 
to'feaft  on  the  promife  of  ''new  heavens  and  a  new  earth, 
wherein  dwelleth  righteoufnefs,"  where  there  i^  no  more  death, 
where  the  curfe  is  not  known,  where  God  himfelf  {hall  wipe 
away  all  tears  from  all  eyes. 

Previous  to  the  breaking  of  bread, in  commemoration  of  our 
Saviour's  dying  love  to  perifhing  Tinners,  we  were  led  to  med- 
itate on  the  final  confummation  which  the  ordinance  has  di- 
rectly in  view.  '  As  ofren  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this 
cup,  ye  do  fhew  the  Lord's  death  till  he  come  ;"  an  event 
which  involves  in  i:felf  the  fate  of  angels  and  of  men  ;  an  event 
which  Hia.ll  exhibit  the  grancleft  difplay  of  the  divine  power 
and  wifdom,  of  juftire,  goodnefs  and  truth  ;  an  event  which  is 
at  once  the  objed  of  juff  terror,  and  the  pureft  fource  of  joy. 
One,  and  that  not  the  lea  ft  imerefting,  confideration  connetted 
with  the  profpe£t  of  that  «•  great  and  notable  day  of  the  Lord,*' 
is  that  which  conftitutes  the  fubjett  of  the  apoftle's  reafoning 
in  the  paflage  which  has  been  now  read,  namely,  the  refurrec- 
tion  of  the  dead.  The  ground  of  belief  refpefting  this  is  the 
truth  anrl  certainty  of  Chriit's  redirection,  on  the  third  day  af- 
ter his  paflion,  conformably  to  frequently  repeated,  well-known, 
and  minutely  particular  predictions  relpecling  this  illuftrious 
event.  Thefe  were  the  fubject  of  the  preceding  Leclure.  "  Je- 
fus  and  the  refurre^t  ion,"  were  the  great  theme  of  Paul's  preach- 
ing at  learned  Athens,  and  of  his  epiftles  to  the  churches,  par- 
ticularly to  the  Corinthians,  in  this  chapter.  This  is  the  fure 
foundation  which  God  hath  laid  in  Zion,  and  lo,  What  a  ffruc- 
ture  is  Providence  rearing  upon  it  ! 

The  apoftle  introduces  an  unbenever  cavilling  at  the  doc- 
trine of  the  refurreclion,  and  triumphantly  demandng,  as  one 
defying  all  pofTibility  of  reply,  M  How  are  the<dead  raifed  up? 
and  with  what  body  do  they  come  ?"  Grafping  at  mere  phan- 
toms 


£J0  HISTORY  ©P  [L     \     'T* 

toms  of  worldly  hope,  credulous  as  children  in  admitting  tf  the, 
unreal  mockery"  oi  a  heated  imagination,  men  doubt  and   dif- 
believe  only  when  the  God  of  truth  fpeaks  ;  they  are   Carelefs 
only  where  their  fpiritual  andeverlaftinginterefts  are  con  rern* 
ed:  they  r.ejecl  that  which  reafon  and  religion  concur  to  prove, 
which  the  conflitution  and  frame  of  nature,   in   her   unceafing 
reproductions,  ilamp  with  ftriking  marks  oi  probability,   and 
which  a  revelation  from  heaven  has  rendered  infallible.      The- 
objection  of  infidelity  proceeds  on  the    fuppofition   that  there 
is  nothing  apparent  in  the  fyftem  Gf  the  Univerfe  which  is  an- 
alogous to  the  refurreclion  of  the  body  ;  that  it  is   inconfiftent 
with  all  knowledge  and  experience.     Theapoftle  goes  on    to*. 
demon  urate  that  this  change,  wonderful  as  it  is,   has  its  coun- 
terpart in  nature,  and  is  perfectly   confident  with  appearances 
which  fall  every  day  under  every  man's  obfervation,  and  whick% 
are  level  to  every  human  capacity.-    He  refers  the  infidel  to  the. 
univerfally  known  and  underftood  progrefs  of  vegetation,  which. 
is  a  conftant  representation  of  death  and  the  rpfurre&ion,   of 
corruptibility  and  corruption.     One  of  the  mod  obvious  and, 
ordinary  operations  in  hufbandry  daily  pre fents  the   image   oi 
this  great  my  ilery  of  godlinefs.      The  (eedt   O   man,   which, 
thou  called  into. the  ground,  is  furrendered  to   lofs,  to  putre- 
faction, to  death.     It  difappears?   it   feems   for  ever  gone,    its 
form  and  fubftance,  all,  all  is  diflblved.  No,  Sir,  it  dies  but  to, 
be  quickened.  Indeed  it  could  not  have  been  quickened,  unlefs, 
it  had  died.  What  dropped  into  the  earth,  a  (ingle,  folitary  grain, 
fprings    up   out  of    it,  incieafed  thirty,   fixty,   a  hundred  told. 
Had  the    little   feed   never  known  corruption,  where  would 
have  been  that  goodly  tree  laden  with  golden  fruit  ?  It  fell  nar- 
ked into  the  ground  ;  it  rifes  thence  clothed  with  a  new,    ver- 
dant, tranfparent  covering.     It  every  day  unfolds  fome  latent 
beauty,  it  affumes  a  more  majeftic  form,  it  expands  an  unknown, 
excellence.     Its  temporary  deftru&ion  is  its  perennial   eftab<- 
liihment. 

'' So  alfo  is  the  refurre&ion  of  the  dead."  The  body  was 
emaciated  by  difeafe,  it  withered  by  reafon  of  age,  it  was  loft 
in  the  grave,  it  became  a  mafs  of  corruption.  But  does  it  fol- 
low that  it  mall  remain  forever  a  prey  to  corruption  ?  Does 
it  follow,  that  it  fhall  rife  again  with  the  felf-fame  qualities 
which  it  foimerly  poifefled  ?  No,  it  is  the  glory  of  God  not  to 
raifeup  again  weaknefs,  mortality,  corruption;  but  out  of  weak- 
nefs  to  raife  power,  to  clothe  corruption  with  incorruption,  to 
fw  allow  up  mortality  of  life-  But  how  is  this  done  ?  I  cannot 
tell.  O  man.  "  thou  knoweft  not  what  is  the  way  of  the  fpir- 
it,  nor  how  the  bones  do  grow  in  the  womb  of  her  that  is  with 
child  :  even  fo  thou  knowefl  not  the  works  of  God  who  mak- 

eth 


Left*  X  X  J  JESWS    CHRI  ST.  i  n 

eth  ail."     Who  is  able  to  trace  and  to    defcribe    the    common 
procefs  of  vegetable  nature  ?  Where  is  the  man  that    prefumes 
to  explain  that  whicl    is    lead .  ?     Is  it   any    wonder,  then,  that 
limited  faculties  are  loft  in  the  inveltigation  ot    that   which  i\A 
greatefl  ?  Can  the  clown  tell  how  the  handful  ot  "'  bare  grain" 
-which  he  (cattered  along  the  fur  face  ot  the   ground,    has   been 
transformed  into  a  multitude  of  flaHy,  fair  and  fragrant  plants  ? 
No  and  neither  can  the  phiiofopher.     But  the  fimpleft  clown 
is  a   phi. Gopher   too   enlightened   to  doubt,  or  to  difbelieve 
what  tmtorm  obfervation  and  experience   have   confirmed   to 
him-     He  is    t>.o   wife  to    fufpend    \he  operations  of  his  ufeful 
and  neceflary  art,  till  he  has  difcovered  the  how  and  the  where- 
fore ot  it.     Can  the  philofopher  then  arrogate  to  himfelf  the 
pr3:fe  of  w:fdom3  whorefufes  the  information,  and  denies  him- 
felf the  confolations  of  Chnftianity,  becaufe  lie   cannot   pene- 
trate into  every  my  if  ery,  refolve    every   difficulty,  and    difpel 
all  the  obfcurity  which  it  prefents  ?  What  one  r..-t    or  fcience 
has  been  carried  to  i is  higheft   pofhbie    perfection  ?    Do   men 
therefore  neglect  to  avail  themfelves  of  '.he  progrefs  which    has 
been  made  in  fcience  ?•  And  (hall  the  mod  profound  ot  all  fci- 
ences.  but  which  has,  of  all  others,  been  moil  fuccefsfuily   in- 
vefligated,  whofe  djfcoveries  are  more  tar   in    number,  and  in 
their  nature  infinitely  more  important  than  all  therefl.be  laugh-, 
ed  to  icorn,  be  defpifed  and  rejected,  becaufe  it  prefents V.  fome 
things  hard  to  be    understood,"  becaufe    fome   of  its   grander 
difcoveries  are  referved  to  a  future  exhibition,    becaufe   there 
are  **  times  and  feafons."  interpolations,  relations  and   depen- 
dencies  "  which  the  Fa  h^r  hath  put  in  his  own  power." 

Again,  'k  God,"  it  is  laid,  f*  giveth  to  every  feed  his  own 
body."  "  Thou  fool,"  argues'  St.  Paul,  "that  which  thou 
fbwefL  is  not  quickened  except  it  die.  And  that  which  thou 
foweft,  thou  ipweft  not  that  tody  that  fhali  b?,  but  bare 
grain,  it  may  chance  of  wheat,  or  of  fome  other  grain:  But 
God  giveth,  it  a  body  as  it  hath  pleafed  him,  and.  to  every  iced 
his  own  body."  This  implies,  that  the  change  produced  by 
the  refurreel ion  is  not  arbitrary  or  contingent,  but  eftablifhed 
by  a  certain  law,  conformably  to  the  nature  and  qualities  of 
each  diftinclfpecies.  What  was  wheat,  continues  to  be  wheat, 
after  it  has  rifen  again.  What  was  any  other  kind  of  grain, 
when  calf  into  the  earth,  rifes  up  that  fell-fame  kind  of  grain, 
and  no  other.  The  individual  fybflance  is  indeed  changed, 
but  the  eflential  properties,  the  fpecific  and  ditfinguiflimg 
qualities  remain.  The  fame  vital  principle  animates  it  in  ev- 
ery iiate  ;  when  it  fprung  up  in  the  germ  of  the  parent  feed  ; 
when  it  became   naked,  dry  grain  ,  when   it   lay  buried  under 

the 


t*S  HISTORY  OF  [Left.  XX* 

the  clod;  when  it  mouldered  away  and  died,  and  when  k 
itarted  up  again  in  all  the  vigour  and  frefhnefs  of  a  new  life. 
Doth  not  man,  in  like  manner,  in  his  body,  in  his  mind,  in  his 
condition,  undergo  revolutions  equally  obvious,  equally  im- 
preflive,  and  yet  continue  always  the  lame  ?  He  poflefles  lite 
and  motion  long  before  he  begins  to  breathe  ;  he  lives,  moves 
and  breathes  Jong  before  he  begins  to  reflect  and  reafon.  The 
dawnings  of  his  reafon  are  not  greatly  fuperior  to  the  inftinfts 
of  fome  of  the  brute  creation.  Arrived,  at  length,  at  fulnefs  of 
ilature  and  of  underftanding,  his  faculties,  like  the  tide  at  lull, 
are  inftantly  on  the  decline.  Accident  deftroys  them,  vice 
deranges,  difeale  impairs,  age  waftes  them.  All  the  while  it 
was  one  and  the  fame  being  who  ftruggled  in  the  womb,  who 
crawled  in  infancy,  who  tottered  in  childhood,  who  flew  on 
the  wings  of  the  wind  in  youth  who  ftately  walked  in  the 
majefty  of  manhood,  who  again  ftooped,  bended,  tottered,  crept 
under  the  prefTure  of  old  age,  who  funk  in  death  It  was  the 
felf-fame  individual  who  now  blazed  in  all  the  luftre  of  tal- 
ents, itation  and  fuccefs,  who  ftrutted  the  envy  and  wonder  of 
mankind,  and  who  now  moped  and  blinked  in  premature  Sec- 
ond childifhnefs,  the  pity  and  fcorn  of  the  world.  Explain  to 
me  wherein  confided  the  famenefs  which  ran  through  all  the 
fucceMive  changes  of  a  fhort  and  tranfitory  life  of  threefcore 
years  and  ten,  and  you  will  teach  yourfelf  to  conceive  what  it 
is  that  coniiitutes  the  identity  of  that  which  was  fown  M  a 
natural  body,"  and  which  (hall  be  raifed  "  a  fpiritual  body." 

Inftead  of  vainly  attempting  to  account  for  xhe  famenefs,  is 
it  not  rather  the  pait  of  wifdom  to  -contemplate,  and  endeav- 
our to  improve  the  difference  of  the  one  trom  the  other,  as 
it  (lands  difplayed  in  the  perfon  of  Chrift  the  fir  ft- fruits, 
©•n  the  ha  llowed  page  of  infpiration  ?  The  temple  of  his  body 
was  both  before  and  after  his  paflion  free  from  (lain  and  blem- 
ifh  ;  but  every  other  human  frame  has  in  it  radical  pollution 
and  corruption.  It  is  earthly,  a  mafs  of  clay,  taken  from  the 
earth,  dependant  upon  it,  chained  down  to  it,,  and  ready  to  be 
{wallowed  up  of  it  again.  Itfiallbe  heavenly,  fpiritual,  impaf- 
live  ;  endowed  with  the  capacity  of  moving  with  the  expedi- 
tion of  thought,  the  celeftial  vehicle  of  an  immortal  fpirit,  a- 
dapted  to  the  vigour  and  activity  of  that  fpirit,  fubfervient  to 
its  will,  on  the  wing  at  pleafure  up  to  its  native  feat,  with  the 
velocity  of  lightning  in  the  eaft,  at  the  weft,  according  as  the 
command  of  the  Moft  High,  or  the  defire  of  (urveying  his 
ways  and  his  works  may  determine  the  choice.  Roufed  by 
that  voice  which  awakens  the  dead,  behold  the  human  body- 
arrayed  in  light ;  it  attempts  a  region,  itmingles  with  elements 

untried 


left.  XXj  JESUS  CHRIST.  rsg 

untried  before ;  it  fpurns  the  tomb,  it  mounts  on  high,  it  fprings 
up  "  to  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air,"  it  mixes  with  angels,  it 
checks  the  afpiring  flight,  and  prefents  the  firft-iruits  of  eter- 
nal blifs  before  thethrone,  it  joins  with  adoration,  love  and  joy 
in  the  fong  of  the  Lamb  :  "  Thou  waff  flaiivand  haft  redeem- 
ed us  to  God  by  thy  blood,  out  of  every  kindred,  and  tongue, 
and  people,  and  nation  ;  and  h^ft  made  us  unto  our  God  kings 
and  priefts ;  worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  flain  to  receive  pow- 
er, and  riches,  and  wifdom,  and  ftrength,  and  honour,  and 
glory,  and  bleffing  :"  '*  blefling,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and 
power,  be  unto  Him  that  fitteth  upon  the  throne,  and  unto  the 
Lamb,  lor  ever  and  ever." 

It  is  now  a  vile  body  ;  compofed  of  grofs  elements,  fubfift- 
ing  on  grofs  aliment,  fubjeclcd  to  the  fame  laws  which  govern 
the  beafts  that  perifh.  It  may  be  rendered  loathfome  by  floth, 
by  infirmity,  by  difeafe,  by  vice,  by  death.  The  lovelieit 
form  is  in  one  hour  fo  altered,  fo  disfigured,  that  we  are  oblig- 
ed to  turn  from  it  with  horror  and  averfion.  Abraham  muft 
haften  to  bury  his  Sarah  out  of  his  fight.  Remove  that  tranf- 
parent  veil  of  (kin  which  the  hand  of  nature  has  fo  curiouily 
fpread  over  the  linews  and  the  fleuY  and  what  a  frightful  fpec- 
tre  inftantly  appears  I  Imagination  fhrinks  from  the  hideous 
apparition.  It  fhall  rife  a  glorious  body,  compofed  of  the  pur- 
er elements  which  fly  upward,  living  on  incorruptible  food,  a 
pellucid  wall  of  fire  through  which  every  emotion  of  the  foul  is 
distinctly  viQhle  but  which  no  fword  of  the  adverfary  can  pene- 
trate, unfufceptible  of  wound,  unfufceptible  of  depreffion,  of 
wearinefs,  of  pain,  ot  decay.  In  this  world  of  wo  the  body 
has  a  glory  not  belonging  to  it,  a  glory  that  is  its  difgrace,  its 
xnifery  ;  the  unnatural,  ruinous  glory  of  holding  the  immortal 
fpirit  in  thraldom,  of  leading  its  fovereign,  captive  at  its  will,. 
of  bending  the  heaven-born  mind  to  the  ignominious  drudgery 
of  the  fleih.  In  the  world  of  blifs,  the  real  order  of  nature 
fhall  be  reftored,  the  fpirit  fhall  refume  its  juft  empire,  the 
body  (hall  be  inverted  with  its  proper  glory,  ihall  defcend  into 
its  fubordinate  ilation  ;  fhall  feel  its  higheft  gratification  in  be- 
coming the  miniftering  fervant  of  intelligence,  of  rectitude,  of 
benignity. 

That  we  may  not  feem  all  this  while  to  have  been  retailing 
a  fond  man's  dream,  we  recur  to  the  hiffory  o\  the  wonderful 
changes  which  the  bodies  of  fome  men  have  already  under- 
gone, and  from  which  we  may  conclude  what  future  changes, 
through  the  almighty  power  of  God,  the  human  frame  is  ca- 
pable of  undergoing.  "  By  faith  Enoch  was  tranflated  that  he 
fiiould  not  fee  death  :  and  was  not   found,   becaufe   God  had 

trarrf 


i#|  HISTORY  of  [Lefe;  xx5 

tranfiated  him  i"  Vis  body,  without  being  refol  ved  into  its 
principles,  without  tailing  death,  was  quickened  into  new-nets 
of  life,  and  entered  into  the  kingdom  ot  heaven  without  palling 
through  the  grave.  Motes  (ubfifted  for  forty  days  together  in 
the  mount  with  God,  and  neither  did  "eat  nor  drink.  On  his 
cefcent,  the  (kin  of  his  face  flione,  fo  as  to  dazzle  the  eyes,  ot' 
the  beholder,  and  to  render  the  interpofition  ot  a  veil  neceffa- 
ry.  At  the  age  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  years,  M  his  eye 
was  not  dim  nor  his  natural  force  abated*"  Altera  lapfe  of, 
fifteen  centuries  he  revifitedour  earth  in  a  glorious  form,  to  do 
homage  on  the  mount  of  transfiguration.  Elijah  undifmayed 
mourns  on  fiery  wheels  to  meet  his  God.  His  body,  in  an  in- 
ftarit  of  time,  acquires  the  power  of  refilling,  ot  repelling  the 
flame,  or  becomes  affirm  lated  to  it,  and  burns  unconfumed. 
The  three  children  of  the  captivity  fall  down  bound  in  the 
niidfl  of  the  burning  fiery  furnace,  but  arife  and  walk  through 
the  flames  uninjured.  Paul  is  "  caught  up  to  the  third  heav- 
en,"  carried  out  of  himfelt,  tranf  ported  into  Paradife,  and  made 
to  hear  c'  unfpeafcable  words,  which  it  is  not  lawful  for  a  man 
to  utter." 

But  even  thofe  iliuftrious  inftagc  es  "  have  no  glory,  by  rea- 
fon  ot  the  glory  that  excelleth."  The  glory  to  be  conferred  on 
every  believer's  vile  body  is,  that  it  **  (hall  be  fafhioned  like 
unto  his  glorious  body  according  to  the  working  whereby  he 
is  able  even  to  fubdue  all  things  unto  himfelf."  Let  us,  therer 
fore,  take  our  ideas  of  the  future  '*  exceeding  and  eternal  weight 
of  glory,"  from  what  we  know  it  was  in  him.  What  muf£ 
have  been  the  majefly  of  his  perfon,  and  the  dignity  of  his  de* 
portment  when  he  expelled  the  profaners  of  the  temple,  and 
they  anfwered  him  never  a  word  ?  With  what  energy  and  elo- 
quence muff  he  haveexprefled  himfelf,  when  a  multitude  un- 
der the  influence  of  violent  prejudice  againft  him,  overcome 
by  force  oftruth,  exclaimed,  •'  Never  man  fpakelike  this  man." 
Behold  him  ic  the  midft  of  the  fea  ;  the  yielding  waves  become 
a  pavement  of  adamant  under  his  feet.  He  fpeaks  the  word, 
and  the  wind  ceafes  to  rage,  and  the  tempeft  fuhfides  into  a 
calm.  Mofes  eadured,  fupported  a  fail  of  forty  days  and 
forty  nights  in  communion  with  God  ;  Jeius  underwent 
a  fimilar  period  of  abflinence  in  the  wilderneis,  being 
tempted  of  the  devil.  Mark  that  band  of  ruffians,  afTembled 
to  apprehend  him  in  the  garden  :  they  are  loft  to  decency, 
loft  to  (hame  ;  they  are  ready  to  rufli  upon  their  prey  :  He  ar- 
rays himfelf  in  mildnefs,  he  (imply  demands,  ■•  Whom  feek 
ye  ?"  They  inftantly  feel  how  awful  goodnefs  is,  they  fhrink 
from  theluftre  of  his  eye.  ■  When  with  native,  irrefiftible  maj- 
efly 


jjB&.'xV]  JESUS  CHRIST.  S2& 

eily  he  meets  the  inquiry,*'  lam  he,"  they  went  backward,  and 
fell  to  the  ground. 

Such  was  the  glory  of  that  facred  body  while  as  yet  it  had 
notinvefted  itfelf  with  immortality  ;  while  as  yet  it  was  liable 
to  pain,  and  forrow,  and  death.  But  he  difplaycd  an  anticipa- 
ted view,  even  in  a  ftate  ot  humiliation,  of  that  fplendor  which 
he  could  aflurne  and  lay  down  at  pleafure.  On  Tabor  his  whole 
form  was  altered  ;  "  his  face  did  mine  as  the  Tun,  and  his  rai- 
ment was  white  as  the  light.'*  This  however  was  to  undergo 
an  eclipfe.  The  fcripture  mud  be  fulfilled  which  faith,  "  His 
vifage  was  Co  marred  more  than  any  man,  and  his  form  more 
than  the  fons  of  men."  '  But  afier  the  refurreclion  from  the 
dead,  this  occafional  and  tranfient  glory,  became  permanent 
and  immutable.  Behold,  he  burfts  afnnder  the  bars  of  the 
grave.  On  the  third  day  he  raifes  up  again  the  temple  which 
the  hands  of  wicked  men  had  deftroyed.  Earth  and  heaven 
feel  and  acknowledge  a  prefent  Deity.  The  fons  of  light  de- 
fcend  from  their  thrones  to  announce  his  revival,  to  minilter 
at  his  feet.  The  folid  globe  is  thrown  into  eonvulfions.  "There 
was  a  great  earthquake  :  for  the  angel  of  the  Lord  defcended 
from  heaven,  and  came  and  rolled  back  the  (tone  from  the 
door,  and  fat  upon  it.  His  countenance  was  like  lightning, 
and  his  raiment  white  as  mow  :  and  for  fear  of  him  the  keep- 
ers did  (hake,  and  became  as  dead  men"  Early  in  the  morn- 
ing of  the  firft  day,  he  appears  unto  Mary,  but  "  her  eyes  were 
holden  thar.  fhe  mould  not  know  him  ;"  fhe  fuppofes  him  to 
be  the  gardener,  and  in  the  bitternefs  of  her  foul  exclaims  : 
*'  Sir,  if  thou  have  borne  him  hence,  tell  me  where  thou  haft 
laid  him,  and  I  will  take  him  away."  In  the  twinkling  of  an 
eye,  his  voice,  his  appearance  changes,  and  as  his  lips  pro- 
nounce, in  their  well-known  accent,  the  name  of  Mary,  he 
ilands  confefTed  to  the  a&onifhed  mourner  as  her  Lord  and 
her  God. 

At  a  more  advanced  period  of  that  fame  day,  we  behold  him 
on  the  road  which  leadeth  from  Jerufalem  to  Emmaus,  on 
which  he  found  two  of  his  difciples,  "  talking  together  of  all 
thefe  things  which  had  happened."  He  joins  himfelf  to  them, 
as  they  walked  on  their  way  in  fadnefs.  He  enters  into  con- 
verfation  with  them  ;  he  expounds  to  them  the  Scriptures  con- 
cerning himfelf.  They  are  deeply  affecled,  they  are  edified, 
their  hearts  burn  within  them,  as  he  talks  with  them  by  the 
way,  and  while  he  opens  to  them  the  Scriptures.  But  all  the 
while  his  body  is  concealed  under  a  veil  through  which  their 
eyes  cannot  pierce.  In  a  moment  the  veil  is  withdrawn,  as 
he  blsiTes  the  bread,  breaks  it,  and  gives  it  to  them  ;    they    re- 

E  e  cognize 


£26  history  of1  [Left,  xx% 

cognize  their  much-lamented,  greatly-beloved  Mafter,  he  has 
refumed  his  form,  and  in  an  Iriftant  difappears  :  Their  eyes 
were  opened,  and  they  knew  him  ;  and  he  vanifhed  out  of 
their  fighr. 

In  the  evening  of  that  fame  memorable  firft  day  of  the  week, 
the  eleven  and  their  companions  heinc*  alTemblea  to  worfhip, 
and  the  doors  carefully  (hut  tor  fear  of  the  Jews,  lo,  he  is  in 
the  midft  of  them,  fpeaking  and  difpenfing  peace.  And  yet  it 
is  the  fame  body  which  was  crucified.  It  bears  the  print  of  the 
nails  whith  pierced  his  hands  and  his  feet.  His  fide  prefents 
the  fear  of  the  wound  inflicted  by  the  foldier's  fpear.  But  that 
celeftial  body  is  no  longer  fubjeel  to  the  laws  of  matter.  Walls 
of  ftbne  can  neither  exclude  nor  confine  a  fpiritual  fubflance. 
Gates  and  bars  have  no  power  of  coercion,  they  are  pafled' 
without  being  opened.  Behold  the  fTrft-fruits  of  them  that 
ileep.  Behold  the  proof,  the  pledge,  the  model  of  the  refur- 
reel  ion  from  the  dead.  Behold  the  glory  which  awaits  all  the 
redeemed  of  the  Lord,  in  that  day  when  he  maketh  up  his 
jewels;- 

Let  us  take  one  glimpfe  more  of  the  Saviour's  glorified  body. 
See,  he  leads  out  his  wondering,  delighted  train  as  far  as  to 
Bethany,  "  feen  of  above  five  hundred  brethren  at  once  ;"  he 
lifts  up  his  fcands  and  blefies  them  ;  "  and  it  came  to  pafs,  while 
he  bleffed  them,  he  was  parted  from  them,  and  carried  up  into 
heaven."  Into  this  bleffed  image,  Believer  in  Chrifi  Jefus, 
thou  art  going  to  be  transformed,  That  feeble  body  which 
ibmetimes  can  with  difficulty  creep  to  the  houfe  of  prayer,  to 
a  communion  table,  "  (hall  mount  up  with  wings  as  eagles/' 
fhall  behold  the  itars  under  its  feet,fha!i  range  through  unboun- 
ded fpace,  fhall  afcend  into  the  heaven  of  heavens,  fhall  afib- 
ciate  with  the  Cherubim  and  with  the  Seraphim,  with  the  bo- 
dies and  fpirits  of  jufl  men  made  pertea,  "  fhall  with  open 
face,  beholding  as  in  a  glafs  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  be  changed 
into  the  fame  imag^,  from  glory  to  glory,  even  as  by  the  fpirit 
Of  the  Lord."  8'uch,  Chriftian,  is  the  end  of  thy  faith,  the  fal- 
vation  of  the  foul,  the  redemption  of  the  body  from  the  grave. 
Such  is  the  fruit"  of  the  love  ot  God, the  efrecl of  Chrifi's  death, 
the  opera-ion  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  "  Beloved,  now  are  we  thd 
ions  ot  God  ;  and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what  we  fhall  be  :  but 
we  know  that,  when  lie  {hall  appear,  we  fhall  be  like  him  ;  for 
we  fhall  lee  him  as  he  is." 

The  apoflle  fuggeils  another  very  intere fling  idea  on  the  fub- 
ject  ot  the  relurre&ion.  The  children  of  the  refurreclion  mall 
all  be  glorious,  but  the  glory  ot  all  is  not  the  fame  :  for  as  in 
the  natural  world,  "  there  is  one  kind  of  Hem  of  men,  another 

flefh 


Lett,  xx.]  j  e  s  u  s  en  r  i  ST. 

fern  of  beafts,  another  of  fifties,  and  another  of  birds  ;?,as  there 
are  bodies  celeftial  and  bodies  terreftrial,  each  Inverted  with  its 
peculiar   and   appropriate  glory  and  excellency,    as    •«  there  is 
one  glory  of  the  fun,  and  another  glory  of  the  moon,  and  ano- 
ther glory  of  the  fiars  ;  for  one  flar  differeth  from  another  ftar 
in  glory.     So   alio    is   the  refurreftion  of  the  dead."     Next  to 
the  uniformity  and  regularity  which  pervade  the  fyftern  of  the 
oniyerfe,  the  diverfity  and  variety  of  the  productions  of  nature, 
and  of  the  ways  of  Providence,  claim  our  attention  and  excite 
our  admiration.     To  this  diverfity  the  field  and  the  foreft.  the 
fragrant  earth  and. the  Harry  heavens  are   indebted  for  all  their 
beauty;     Hence  the  brute  creation  derives  Utility  and  import- 
ance, and  human'fociety  its  being  and  comfort.     Under  the  ad- 
dition   of   another  orb  fimilar  to  that  which  illumines  and  ani- 
mates the  world,  nature  would  be  opprefled,   and  mourn,  and 
expire.     Withdraw  that  fingle  little  moon,  that  fpec.k  in  crea- 
tion,   that   mere    attendant   mini  Iter  on  our  globe,  and  what  a 
blank,   is    left   in  the  iy  Item,  what  myriads  are  rendered  corn, 
■fortlefs,  how  the  harmony  is  deftroyed  !    Countleis  as  various 
are  the  liars  in  the  firmament ;     but  the  fubtraction,    the   tranf- 
pofition.  the  accelerated  or  retarded  motion  of  one  of  the  leaft 
of  them  would  unhinge  the  general  frame,  unfettle  the  balance, 
and  introduce  contuhon.     But  arranged  as  they    are,  counter- 
polled,  Curtained  by  the  arm  of  Omnipotence,  every  one  lends 
its  portion  of  "Strength,  beauty  and  liability  to  the  whole.  Each 
orb  reflects  lultre  on  its  oppolite  ;  an  harmonious  difcord  be- 
comes  productive  of   perfect  union;  every  thing  differs,  and 
yet  every  thing  agrees.     In  the  prefent  imperfect  jlate    of  the 
moral    world?    we   muft  not   look  for  the  harmonious  variety 
which  reigns  in  the  kingdom  of  nature.     Society  prefents  not 
only  variety  of  rank,  of  talents,  of  poflefhons,   but   differences 
of  opinion,  oppofitions  of  intereft,  the  fermentation  of  paflions. 
Offences  will  come,  peace  cnufl  be  difturbed,  blood  mult  flow. 
But  in  the  reCurreciion  of  the  dead  the  harmonies  of  grace  (hall 
correfjond  to  thole  of  nature,  for  univerfal  nature  (hall  be  un- 
der the  dominion  of  love.    ■'*  Chrnl -loved    the    Church,    and 
gave  himfelf  for  rf  ;  that  he  might  fmctify  and  cleanfe  it  with 
the  wafhing  of  water  by  the  word  ;  that  he  might  prefent  it  to 
himfelf  a  glorious  church,   not  having  fpot,  or  wrinkle,  or  any 
fuch  thing  ;  but  that  it  lhould  be  holy,  and  without  blemilh." 
From  what  has  been  laid,  let  us, 

I.  BleCs  God  for  the  clear  light  in  which  this  all-important 
doctrine  is  placed.  The  evidence  of  it  pours  into  the  eye, 
ruflies  into  the  heart  every  flop  we  take.  As  often  as  we  walk 
QUt  into  the  corn-field,  we  have  the  irsagc  of  death  and   of   the 

reCurreciion 


2#  KCTCRY     C  [Lea.   XX. 

xefurrecllon  of  the  dead.  The  hufbandman  call  in  the  feed 
;hat  it  might  die,  that  it  might  fee  corruption.  The  fight  or 
the  fpringing  grain  allures  us  that  he  fowed  in  hope,  and  that 
his  hope  maketh  him  not  afhamed.  "So  alfo  is  the  refurrec- 
tion  of  the  dead."  "Every  time  the  epicure  fits  down  to  a  feaft, 
he  has  in  the  dainties  oi  his  table  a  reprefentation  of  the  varie- 
ties which  the  day  oi  the  renovation  of  all  things  {hall  difplay." 
Every  time  that  the  contemplative  man*'  confiders  the  heav- 
ens, the  work  oi  God's  fingers,  the  moon  and  the  ftars  which 
he  ha'h'crdained,"  he  perceives  an  image  oi  the  future  glory  of 
the  redeemed,  "  As  one  fkr  differeth"  from  another  ftar  in 
glory,  fo  alfo  is  the  refurre£tion  of  the  dead."  The  wearinefs  , 
and  wading  oi'  the  bodily  vigour  throws  the  human  frame" 
night  by  night  into  the  femblance  oi  death  ;  the  frefhnefs  of 
the  dawn  reftores  it  to  newnefs  of  lite  ;  "  fo  alfo  is  the  refur- 
rection  oi  the  dead/'  "  them  that  fleep  in  Jefus  will  God  bring 
with  him,"  "  Why  fhould  it  bethought  a  thing  incredible  witfe 
you  that  God  fhould  "raife  the  dead  ?".  Was  not  that  {lately 
oak  once  a  dry  acorn  ?.  Was  not  that  gorgeous  bird  of  a  thou- 
fand  radiant  colours  enclofed  in  a  putrid  {hell  ?  Did  not  that 
wonder  of  every  eye,  or  every  ear,  once  crawl  a  poor  helplefs 
reptile?  How  grievoufly  do  men  err,  "not  knowing  the  Scrip- 
tures and  the  power  oi  God." 

2.  The  doctrine  has  a  happy  tendency  to  reconcile  the  mind 
to  the  profpetl  of  our  own  diiTolution.  The  body,  the  objecl 
of  fo  much  anxiety  and  attention,  is  after  all  but  a  flimfy  gar- 
ment, of  feeble  texture,  and  oi  perifhable  materials.  And  is  it 
indeed  fuch  a  mortification  to  lay  down  an  old,  rufty,  galling 
armour,  and  go  to  reft  at  eafe,  when  the  labours  and  dangers  ot 
a  hard  warfare  are  at  an  end?  Is  it  fo  very  humiliating  to  part 
with  worn-out  raiment,  with  filthy  rags,  to  exchange  them  for 
robes  of  immortality  ?  This  is  the  profpecf  which  the  refurrec* 
tion  opens  to  the  Chriflian's  hope.  This  is  the  change  which 
pa  {fed  upon  Jofhua  the  high  prieft  in  prophetic  vifion,the  em- 
blem ot  'final  deliverance,  ot  unfading  glory.  "  Now  Jofhua 
was  clothed  with  filthy  garments,  and  flood  before  the  angel. 
And  he  anfwered  and  fpake  unto  thofe  that  flood  before  him, 
faying,  take  away  the  filthy  garments  from  him.  And  unto 
him  he  faid,  Behold,  I  have  caufed  thine  iniquity  to  pafs  from 
thee,  and  I  will  clothe  thee  with  change  oi  raiment.  And  I 
faid,  let  them  fet  a  fair  mitre  upon  his  head.  So  they  fet  a  fair 
mitre  upon  his  head,  and  clothed  him  with  garments.  And 
the  angel  of  the  Lord  flood  by."  Thefe  are  words  which  de- 
ferve  to  be  written,  to  be  printed  in  a  book,  to  be  graven  with 
an  iron  pen  and  lead,  in  the  rock  for  ever  :  H  I  know  that  my 

redeemer 


■.  ,aX*J  JESUS    CHRIST. 

redeemer  liveth,  and  that  he  (hall  ftand  at  the  larfer  day  upon 
(he  earth  :  and  though  after  my  fkin,  worms  deftroy  this  body, 
yet  in  my  flefh  (hall  I  fee  God  ,  whom  I  fhall  fee  for  my  felt, 
and  mine  eyes  fhall  behold,  and  not  another  ;  though  my  reins 
be  confumed  within  me." 

3.  M  I  would  not  have  you  to  be  ignorant,  brethren,  con- 
cerning them  which  are  afleep,  that  ye  forrownot,  even  as  otfu 
ers  which  have  no  hope."  You  have  been  called,  it  may  be, 
to  bury  out  of  your  light  what  was  once  youth  and  beauty,  tal- 
ents and  virtue,  wifdom  and  piety.  But  thefe  were,  on  earth, 
neceflarily  blended  with  weaknefs  and  imperfection.  That 
weakness  and  imperfecupn  remain  in  the  giavc,  never  to  rife 
again.  What  are  the  Iranfient  youth  and  fading  beauty  ot  this 
world  ?  What  are  the  (a^erus  and  the  virtues  of  the  wifefl  and 
the  bed  of  men,  con^pareg  10  ;he  celeftial  radiance,  the  immor- 
tal vigor,  the  unfullicd .purity,  the  fublime  wifdom  of  beings 
fhining  in  their  Redeemer's  [ikenefs  !  Were  it  in  your  pow- 
er, could  you  fin  1  in  your  heart,  to  bring  back  a  beloved  child, 
a  friend  dear  to  you  as  your  own  foul,  to  a  fiate  of  depreffion, 
and  pain,  and  forrow  ?  No,  the  bitternefs  of  death  is  pad. 
The  lalt  enemy  ruth  done  his  worff.  They  were  flrlt  ready  ; 
They  have  reached  home  belore  us.     Therefore, 

4.  *'  Be  ye  not  flothful,  but  followers  of  them  who,  through 
faith  and  patience,  inherit  the  promifes."  Be  conflantly  aim- 
ing at  higher  degrees  of  moral  and  intelleHual  excellence  ;  at 
thofe  qualities  which,  though  ot  little  effimation  in  the  eyes  of 
men,  are  in  the  fight  of  God  of  great  price,  and  conftitute  the 
glory  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Be  filen^Iy,  unoftentatioul- 
ly  adding,  "  with  all  diligence,  to  your  faith,  virtue  ;  "and  to 
virtue,  knowledge  ;  and  to  knowledge,  temperance;  and  to 
temperance,  patience  ;  and  to  patience,  gorilinefs  ;  and  to  god- 
tinefi,  brotherly  kindnef?,  and  to  brotherly  kindnefs,  charity. 
Por  it  thetc  things  be  in  you,  and  abound,  they  make  you  that 
ye  fhall  neither  be  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge  of 
our  Lord'Jefus  Chrift."  "  Finally,  brethren,  whdttover  things 
are1  t/iie,  whatfoever  things  are  hone  ft,  whatfoever  things  are 
julf,  whatsoever  things  are  pure,  whatfoever  things  are  lovely, 
-whatfoever  things  are  of  good"  report  ;  if  there  be  any  virtue, 
and  if  there  be  any  praife,  think  on  thefe  things  :"  Seeing  that 
xn'thercfurreclion,  thole  "  whoHeep  in  the  duff  of  the  earth 
fhall  awake. — and  they  that  be  wifeihall  ihine  as  the  brightnei* 
ot  the  firmament  ;  and  tfiey  that  turn  many  to  rigliteoulnefs  as 
the  flars  forever  and  even" 


LECTURE 


history  or  [Left.  xxi. 


LECTURE      XXL 


J-OHN,  IV.  46-^4, 

So  Jefus  came  again  into  Cana  of  Galilee,  where  he  made  ike 
water  wine.  And  there  was  a  certain  nobleman,  whofe  fort 
tvasjick  at  Capernaum,  when  he  heard  that  Je/us  was  come: 
cut  of  Judea  into  Galilee  he  went  unto  him,  and  be  fought  him, 
that  he  would  come  down  and  heal  his  Jon  :  for  he  was  at  the 
point  of  death.  Then  f aid  Jefus  unto  him,  except  yejcefigns 
and  wonders  ye  will  not  believe.  The  nobleman  Jaith  unte 
him^fir,  come  down  ere  my  child  die.  Jefus  Jaith  unto  him, 
go  thy  way,  thy  fan  'ivcth.  And  the  man  believed  the  word 
that  J  Jus  hadfboken  unto  him,  and  he  went  his  way.  And 
as  he  was  now  going  down  his  fcrvants  met  him,  and  told  him, 
Jaying,  thy  J on  livcth.  Then  inquired  he  oj  them  the  hour 
when  he  began  to  amend.  And  they  fa?d  unto  him,  yeflerday 
at  the  feventh  hour  the Jever  left  him.  So  the  Father  knew 
that  it  was  at  the  fame  hour  in  the  which  Jefus  Jaid  untohi?n9 
thy  Jon  Iweth  ;  and  himfelf  believed,  and  /its  whole  houfe*. 
This  is  again  the  /econdmiraclt  that  J  Jus  did.,  when  he  was 
come  out  of  Judea  into  Galilee. 

HP  HE  moll  ferlous  bufinefTes  of  human  life  malcebut  a  lorry 
■*■  figure  when  they  come  to  be  recorded,  Interefting  to 
the  individual,  and  for  the  moment,  they  awaken  no  general 
concern,  and  become  to  the  parties  themfelves,  when  the  mo- 
ment is  paft, "  trifles  light  as  air."  The  avidity  with  which 
frefh  journals  are  read  is  a  perfect,  contrail  to  the  indifference 
with  which  they  are  treated  on  the  fecond  or  the  third  day. 
Let  a  man  fit  down  to  write  the  hiflory  of  his  own  life  ;  let  him 
be  the  bufieft  and  mod  important  of  perfonages,  and  what  has 
he  got  to  relate  ?  A  meagre  account  of  the  miles  he  travelled, 
of  the  bargains  he  drove,  of  the  fpeftacles  he  beheld,  of  the 
viands  which  covered  his  table,  and  of  the  guefls  who  f  ur.ro  u.nd- 
ed  it.  Into  this  little  meafure  fhrink  the  achievements  of  the 
great,  the  fplen&or,  pomp  and  pride  of  Jcings,  as  well  as  the 
/hort  and  "  Gmple  annals  of  the  poor."  When  the  pageant 
has  patted  by,  it  is  as  a  vifcon  of  the  night,  it  vanifhes  into  air, 

it 


Left.  XXI. j  JESUS   CHRIST.  i$t 

it  leaves  no  track  behind.  In  vain  is  the  monumental  column- 
reared.  The  hand  of  time  erafes  the  infcription,  fhakes  the 
fabric,  crumbles  it  into  duft.  In  vain  does  Hiftory  piomife 
to  fave  from  oblivion,  and  to  confer  immortality.  The  author, 
his  work,  his  fubjecl,  the  very  language  in  which  he  wrote,  ali 
perifh. 

Neverthelefs  there  are  illuftrious  exceptions.  There  have 
been  perfons  whofe  names  are  dear  to  every  fucceeding  gen- 
eration, and  who  (hall  be  had  in  everlafting  remembrance  ; 
who  were  engaged  in  purfuits  of  endlefs  utility,  and  produc- 
ing events  which  (hall  never  fpend  their  force.  And  there  is 
a  record  which  furvives  the  iapfe  of  ages,  the  ravages  of  bar- 
barifm,  the  revolutions  of  empire,  and  which  {hall  outlive  the 
di Ablution  ot  worlds.  There  we  contemplate  the  deathlefs 
glory  of  the  venerarde  benefactors  of  mankind,  who  "  being 
dead,  yet  fpeak,"  who  were  and  are  the  light  of  the  world. 
All  thofe  fcattered  rays  of  light  are  collected  into  one  foca! 
rfoint.in  theperfon  ot  JelusChrift'.  "  To  him  give  all  the  proph- 
ets witnefs  ;"  "all  the  promifes  of  God  in  him  are  yea,  and  in. 
him  amen,  unto  the  glory  ot  God  ;" — "  the  nations  ot  them 
Which  are  faved  walk  in  his  light,  and  the  kings  ©1  the  earth  do 
bring  their  glory  and  honour  into  it." 

In  the  bufieft  and  molt  active  life  there  are  long  and  fre- 
quent intervals  of  repofe.  Much  muft  be  allowed  to  human 
infirmity  both  of  body  and  mind  ;  the  fpirit  may  be  willing, 
but  the  flelh  is  weak.  One  life  alone  difplays  an  inceffrnt 
progrefs  in  doing  good  ;  no  word  idly  fpoken,  no  moment  un- 
profitably  fpent,  no  ftep  unneceflarily  taken.  The  night  itfelf 
is  made  a  feafon  of  devotion,  the  hour  ot  focial  ref  refitment  be- 
comes an  occafion  of  communicating  ufetul  knowledge,  a 
walk  into  the  corn-fields  or  by  the  more  ot  the  lea,  a  journey 
from  city  to  city,  an  afcent  into  the  mountain,  all  are  facred  to 
one  commanding  object,  the  glory  of  God  and'  the  good  of  man- 
kind, the  inilru&ion  ot  the  ignorant,  the  pardon  of  the  guilty,, 
the  relief  of  the  miferable. 

The  folemnities  of  the  paiTover  being  finifhed,  Jefus,  accord- 
ing to  the  wifdom  which  directed  all  his  proceedings,  thought 
it  proper  to  retire  from  Jerufalem,  and  to  return  into  Galilee. 
The  road  lay  through  Samaria.  The  inhabitants  of  that  coun- 
try, though  defcended  from  the  fame  ftock  with  the  Jews,  and 
once  members  together  with  them  of  the  commonwealth  of 
Ifrael,  were  now  cordially  hated  and  defpifed  by  them.  But 
they  potteded  the  fame  u  lively  oracles  of  God,"  they  looked 
tor  the  fame  Median  promifed  to  their  common  fathers,  and 
they  gladly  received  the  word  when  it  came  unto  them.     The 

great 


insfoR?  or  [Le£L  xxr. 

great  Prophet  whom  they  ekpeaed  takes  this  opportunity  of 
paying  them  a  vifit;  they  acknowledge  him,,  and  believe  on 
his  name.  Having  continued  with  them  two  days,  (owing 
the  precious  feed,  expounding  horn  Moles  and  all  the  proph- 
ets, ina]  I  the  Scriptures.the  things  concerning  himfelf,  and  thus 
extending  the  boundaries  of  the  kingdom  ot  God,  he  purfued 
itls  journey  to  G-aliiee,  and  returned  '•  to  Cana.  where  he  made 
the  water  wine.".  Befsde  his  general  and  leading  ©bjecr,  to 
preach  the  gofpel  ot  the  kingdom,  he  might  intend,  by  revifit- 
ing  that  city,  to  exprefs  the  affe&ion  of  a  kind  relation  to  the 
new- married  pair  who  refided  there  to  ftrengthen  their  union 
by  his  benediction,  by  his  counlel,  by  participating  in  .their 
domeftic  cares  and  comforts,  and  to  confirm  them  and  the 
other  inhabitants  of  the  place  in  the  faith  which  they  had  pro- 
filed.     .  , 

It  was  fo  ordered  of  Providence  that  at  the  time  of  his  return 
&  diflinguimed  family  in  the  neighbouring  town  of  Capernaum 
was  vifited  with  a  fore  affliction.  "  There  was  a  certain  no- 
bleman, whole  fon  was  fick  at  Capernaum."  The  wordtranf- 
Tated  ?icbleman  fignihes  courtier,  one  employed  near  the  per- 
ion,  or  in  the  fervice  of  a  king.  Herod  was  but  a  delegated 
and  limited  fo'vereign  :  "  Tetrarch  of  Galilee,"  that  is  govern- 
or, under  the  Roman  emperor,  of  the  fourth  part  of  a  province. 
But  he  was  permitted  to  affume  the  title  and  ftate  ot  king, 
becaufe  it  fwelled  the  pride  of  the  imperial  defpot  to  lord  it 
over  many  fubordinate  and  dependant  thrones.  Capernaum 
being  within  the  limits  of  Herod's  government,  he  no  doubt 
occafionally  refided  in  that  city,  and  there  probably  at  this 
time  held  his  court  ;  and  the  nobleman  in  queflion  might  ei- 
ther officially  or  from  affe&ion  be  in  atendance  upon  his  maf- 
ter.  But  the  vicinity  ot  a  court,  and  the  rank  ot  nobility,  are 
no  fecurity  againft  the  inroads  of  difeafe  and  death,  for  they 
too  are  tainted  with  fin,  The  danger  ot  lofing  a  child  excites 
a.thoufand  anxieties  in  the  bofom  of  a  parent,  whatever  be  the 
Nation  or  condition.  There  are  innumerable  circumfiances 
which  level  ail  diitinclions.  The  honourable  feelings  of  hu- 
manity are  of  this  defcription,  parental  and  filial  affection,  with 
the  kindred  charities  of  the  human  heart,  fympathy  with  the 
ciilrefTed,  and  a  defireto  afTift  and  relieve  them  :  fhefe  confti- 
tiUe  a  dignity,  a  nobility  which  God  alone  can  befi'ow,  and 
which  the  air  of  a  court  tends  rather  to  blight  than  to  cherifh. 
This  good  man  however  has  not  funk  the  father  in  the  courtier. 
Anxiety  about  the  life  of  his  child  fufpends  the  pride  of  rank, 
the  duties  of  office,  the  etiquette  of  nobility.  "  When  he 
heard  that  Jefus  was  come  out  of  Judea  into  Galilee  he  wen! 

unto 


'LecVxxiJ  Jesus -chrism.  533 

unto  him,  and  belought  him  that  he  would  come  down  and 
heal  his  Ton  :  for  he  was  at  the  point  of  death." 

"  A  city  ftiat  is  fet  on  an  hill  cannot  be  hid."  The  fame  of 
Jefus  was  now  fpread  over  the  whole  land.  When  he  came 
back  from  Jerufalem  to  Galilee,  •*  the  Galileans  received  him, 
having  feen  all  the  things  that  he  did  at  Jeiufalem  at  the  feaft  : 
for  they  alfo  went  unto  the  feaft."  The  report  which  they 
made  at  home,  ot  his  mighty  works,  as  well  as  of  his  conde- 
fcenfion  and  benevolence,  had  reached  the  ears  of  the  great, 
and  excited  attention.  We  fondly  liften  to  what  promifes 
eafe  ;  we  grafp  the  very  fhadows  ot  probability,  and  trequent- 
ly  make  experiments  with  little  hope  of  fuccefs.  All  that  med- 
ical fkill  could  effect,  had,  in  this  cafe,  undoubtedly  been  at- 
tempted, but  attempted  in  vain.  'It  is  one,  and  not  the  leaft  of 
the  evils  attendant  on  poverty,  to  know  of  a  remedy  without 
the  means  of  procuring  it.  The  rich  have  at  leaft  this  confo- 
lation  in  extremity,  that  every  thing  was  done  which  influence 
could  command  or  money  purchafe.  But  the  nobleman  of  Caper- 
naum is  not  to  be  taxed  with  credulity  for  believing  the  report 
concerning  Chrift,  or  for  building  upon  it  the  hope  ot  a  cure 
which  medicine  had  been  unable  to  effect.  Inftead  of  fending 
•for  him,  as  in  the  cafe  ot  ordinary  phyficians,  "  he  went  to 
"him."  The  diftance  between  Capernaum  and  Cana  was  about 
"a  day's  journey,  as  we  may  gather  from  verfe  52.  He  was  met 
«n  his  way  homeward,  rejoicing  in  the  belief  of  the  power  and 
grace  ot  Chrift,  the  day  after  he  had  received  the  aMurance  : 
•'  Yefterday,"  faid  the  fervants,  "at  the  feventh  hour  the  fever 
left  him."  Here  then  we  have  nobility  defcending  from  its 
•llatelinefs,  waving  ceremony,  afFuming  the  form  of  a  fuppli- 
cant.  Was  it  thereby  degraded  ?  No,  to  follow  the  honeft  im- 
pulfe  ot  nature,  to  fubmit  to  the  obligations  of  propriety  and 
decoram,  to  employ  fair  means  to  obtain  a  defirable  end,  is  no 
y-4e  gradation,  even  to  a  prince.  Vice  alone  degrades,  and  ex- 
pofesa  man  to  fliame,  and  lowers  his  dignity  in  the  eyes  of 
God,  and  of  his  fellow  creatures. 

Calamity  brings  down  the  loftinefs  cf  the  human  fpirit.  We 
iiave  a  noted  inftance  of  this  in  the  hiftory  of  Ben-hadad  the 
•Icing  ot  Syria.  In  the  pride  of  his  heart,  in  girding  on  his 
harnels,  in  the  confidence  of  fuperionty,  he  fends  this  infult- 
•ing  meffage  to  the  king  of  Ifrael  ;  <c  Thus  faith  Ben-hadad, 
thy  filver  and  thy  gold  is  mine,  thy  wives  alfo  and  thy  chil- 
dren, even  the  goodlieft  are  mine."  Unmollified  by  fubmif- 
*f.on,  he  aflumes  a  ftill  haughtier  tone,  and  proceeds  to  take  by 
"violence  what  had  been  quietly  yielded  to  him.  But  brought 
*c  b-itefdf  by  a  total  defeat  ot  his  formidable-army,  he  lowere 
JFr  h& 


i  j£  k  i  s  t  or y'  c  7  £Lec\  x  x  A 

Ids  tone  and  humbles himfelf  to  the  man  whom  he  had  infult- 
e'd  :  fervanrs  with  fackc loth  girded  on  their  loins,  and  ropes 
upon  their  heads,  %t  cane  to  the  king  of  Ifrael,  and  faid,  Thy 
Jkryant  Ben-hadad  faith,  I  pray  thee,  let  me  live,'*'  a  confirma- 
tion of  the  truh  of  the  wife  man's  .observation  :  "  Pride  goeth 
before  deftru&ion  :  and  an  haaghty  fpirit  before  a  fall."  We 
would  not  be  thought  to-infmua'e  that  pnde  is  an  infeparable 
concomitant  of  greatnefs*  or  infolence,  of  a  profperous  condi- 
tion. But. the  flattery  o\  inferiors,  and  the  conftant  means  of 
ieU-gratificaiion,  act  ng  habitually  on  a  principle  radically  cor- 
rupt, have,  without  doubt,  a  \  ery  dangerous  tendency  to.  mil- 
lead  the  u'ndmrandingf,  and  to  corrupt  the  heart  :  Adver> 
fity  difpels  the  illuflon,  and  tells  a  man  feelingly  what  he  is» 
But  for  the  ihdiinpfition  of  his  fon,  the  father  might  have  re- 
mained a  flave  to  the  world,  and  died  a  martyr  to  the  pride  o£ 
life,  ancj  a,  ftfajsger.to  the  Saviour  of  mankind.  Bieffed  is 
that  difpenfation,  be  it  ever  fo  fevere,  which  loofeas  a  man 
from  the  things  of  time,  which  empties  him  offelf,  which  leads 
him  to  God. 

The  faith  of  this  nobleman,  as  in  every  cafe,  was   blended., 
with  much  infirmity.     He  repofed  confidence  in  the  goodnels 
of  Chrift,  in  the    power  of  Cbrift   to   heal  the  fick  ;  but    he 
weakly  imagined  that  this  power  could   operate   only  on   the 
fpot.     Under  'this  impiefiion   he  travels   fiom  Capernaum  to 
Cana  in  hope  o\  being  able  to    perfuade  Jefus   to  accompany 
him  to  the  former  city,  and  {land  over  the  patient,  and  rebuke 
the  fever,  and  reifore  him  to  health  :  '■  he  befought  him    that 
he  would  come  down,  and  heal  his  fon,  for  he  was  at  the  point 
of  death."     He  urges   the  importance   of  difpatch,    left  death 
ihould   interpofe  and  extinguish  hope   for  ever  ;  for  his    faith 
carried  him  no  farther  than  to  the  brink  of  the  grave,  and  there 
gave  up  all  for  loft.     It  was  meet  that  one  who   thought,    who 
felt,  who  acted  io  well,  mould  be  taught  to- think,  to  feel,  to  aft 
better.     Ii  was  meet  he  fhould  be  taught  not  to  dictate  to  divine 
fovereignty   but  to- adore,  and  fubmit  to  it  ;  taught  to  enlarge 
his  ideas  of  the  power  ancgrace  of  the  Redeemer,  as  extending 
to  univerfal  {pace,   and  to  every  poflible  ftate  of  things,-    This 
feems  to  be  the  only  rational  interpretation  which  can  be  giv- 
en of  the  apparent  coldnefs  of  the  reception  given  him  by  our 
jLorcU     Inftead  of  his  ufual  promptitude  to  fly  to  the  relief   of 
diftrefs,:  the  importunate  and  folicitous  farther  meets,  from   the 
lips  oi  Chrift,  with  a  feemingly   ungracious    refle6tion    which 
had  nearly  chilled  his  heart.     "Then  faid  Jefus  unto  him,  ex- 
cept ye  fee  figns  and  wonders  ye  will  not   believe."     In  his 
progrefs  through  Samaria  Chrift  had   found  greater  faith  than 

ill 


LecL  XXI.]  JESUS    CHRIST. 

ia  Judea,  The  Samaritans  exacted  no  fign,  expreffed  no  fuf- 
picion,  infilled  on  no  condition.  "  Many  moie  believed  be- 
caufc  of  his  own  word,  and  faid  unto  the  woman,  now  we  be- 
lieve, not  becaufe  of  thy  faying  :  tor  we  bave  heard  him  our- 
felves,  and  know  that  this  is  indeed  the  Chriit,  the  Saviour  of 
the  woild."  But  his  countrymen  of  Galilee,  though  tdiey  had 
been  \itneiTes  of"  his  miracles,  were  "  fljw  of  .heart  to  believe." 
They  demand  farther  evidence,  and  in  the  true  fpirit  of  Thom- 
as, one  ot  the  twelve,  who,  a'terall  the  iigns  and  wonders  of 
whi  h  he  had  been  a  (peclatbr,  refilled  the  cleared  teftimony  ; 
*'  Evcept  1  /hall  fet  in  his  'h«nds  the  \  nnt  of  the  nails,  and  put 
my  finger'into  the  print  of  the  nails,  and  thrufl  my  hand  into 
his  fide.  I  will  not  believe."  The  nobleman  of  Capernaum 
had  "pr  ba'.  ly  e<prcded  h.mfelf  in  fimilar  terms,  and  thereby 
incurre  1  this  reproof  oi  his  incredulity,  which  Teemed  to  con- 
vey a  denial  ot  his   fui 

Parental  ?il..:i  ;i  perleyerei  in  following  up  his  re- 
qucll.  He  tacitly  admits  the  juftice  of  Chrift's  cenfure,  but 
waves'  chfcuiiion,  and  in  the  anguilh  of  his  foul  renews 
his  lupplici.ion  tQ  him,  to  w aura  mifery  never  applied  ia 
vain  \  *'  Sir,  comedown  ere  my  child  di,e."  Where  the  heart 
is  deeply  interefted  the  "  words  are  few/'  but  O  how  forcible! 
The  feelings  ot  a  parent  are  feen  with  approbation  by  the  friend 
of  mankind,  who  knows  what  is  in  man,  and  to  whom  nothing 
that  afTefts  humanity  can  be  a  matter  of  indifference.  •*'  Jefus 
faith  unto  him,  Go  thy  way  ;  thy  fon  liveth."  That  word, 
that  one  little  word,  has  in  a  moment,  in  the  twinkling  of  an 
eye,  reached  Capernaum,  has  expelled  a  mortal  diflemper,  has 
relieved  a  wretched  father  from  a  preffure  under  which  he 
was  linking,  and  has  infpired  him  with  a  confidence  r.ever 
more  to  be  fhaken.  He  receives  his  fon  as  one  alive  from  the 
dead  he  learns  to  corre£i  his  falfe  ideas  of  the  power  oi 
Chrift.  and  to  fubmit  implicitly  to  his  decifions.  '*  And  the 
man  believed  the  word  that  Jelus  hadfpoken  unto  hhn,  and  he 
went  his  way." 

Th?  fequel  unfolds  an  amiable,  interefting  and  inftruftive 
view  ot  domeftic  life.  When  the  matter  left  his  home  to  go 
in  quell  of  relief  to  his  child,  the  fervants  of  the  family,  fome 
of  them  actually  Saves,  entering  into  their  lord's  feelings,  tend 
the  fick  bed  of  the  young  man  with  all  the  attention  and  folic- 
jtude  of  humble  friends,  not  with  the  eye-ferviceof  mercenar.y 
or  compelled  drudges.  They  obieive  every  fymptom  of  the 
diforder,  they  watch  over  every  motion  of  the  pat  ent,  they 
outrun  his  wants  and  wiihes,  they  tremble  for  the  iffue,  they 
mark  with  tranfport  the  moment  of  convalefcence,    and,  to 

fpaic. 


#36.  history  o?  [Left,  xxl 

fpare  the  tender  parent  every  unneceffary  pang  of  painful   ap- 
prehenfion,   infteacl   of  waiting   far  his  return,  they  fend  off  a 
deputation  of  their  number,  the  inftant  that  the  fever  came  to  * 
a  cnfiVto  announce  the  welcome  tidings  to  their  beloved  maf- 
ter.     What  honour  does  this  reflect  on  all    the   parties  !     Hu» 
tnan  life  confifts  of  a  reciprocation  ot  kind  affections,   expref- 
{ions  and  actions,   or  their  contraries^    In  vain  does  the  un«  * 
Reeling,  infolent,   tyrannical  defpot  expect  dutiful,  cheerful, 
cordial  attachment  and  fubmifEon  from  domeftics  and  depend- 
ants.    By  failure  in  his  own  duty,  he  has  let  them  the   exam- 
ple of  harfhnefs,  want  of  fympathy,  and  difrefpect.     The  infe- ' 
rior   almoft  always   takes  the  tone  from  his  fuperior.     If  you 
fee  obfequious,  faithful,  diligent  fervants,  or  attentive,  dutiful/ 
affectionate  children,  raft  afTmed  that  the  mafter  and   miftrefs 
of  the  family,  that  the  parents  of  the  children  are  wife,  gentle" 
and  good.     Moft  families  in  the  metropolis*  efpecially  thofe  oi 
high  rank,  are  uncomfortable,  becaufe  mutual  attachment  fub- 
fifts  not  between  the  rulers  and  the  ruled.     It  is  a  mere  inter- 
courfe  of  accommodation  and  intereft,  in   which   neither  the 
heart  nor  confeience  hath  any  part.      The  paltry  confederation 
of  a  month's  wages  fettles  the  account  on  either  fide.     In  ths 
remoter  parts  of  the  kingdom,  the  relation  of  mailer  and  fer- 
vant  is  a  tacit  compact;  of  unlimited'  duration.      The  fervant  is 
adopted  into  the  family,  and  looks  up  to  the  heads  of  it   with 
filial  refpeCt,  gratitude  and  confidence.     No  feparate  intereft, 
210  divided  or  contradictory  views  and  purfuitsdifturbdomeftic 
tranquillity.     The  family  of  this  nobleman  was  not  far  from 
the  kingdom  of  God,  for  the  fplrit  of  love  was  its  governing 
principle,  and  God  is  love.  "  And  as  he  was  now  going  down 
his  fervants  met   him,  and   told   him,   faying,  thy  fon  liveth. 
Then  inquired  he  of  them  the   hour  when  he  began  to  amend. 
And  they  faid  unto  him,  yefterday  at  the  feventh  hour   the   fe- 
ver left  him." 

One  of  our  higheft  mental  pleafures  confifts  in  comparing 
ohjeft  with  obje£r.,in  order  to  difcover  coincidence,  fimilitude, 
difference  or  contraft.  This  pleafure  mult  have  been  enjoyed 
in  lingular  purity  on  this  joyful  occafion.  The  di  fiance  of  the 
two  cities  was  well  known.  It  employed  a  whole  day,  and  the 
exertions  of  a  man  of  rank  and  fortune,  furnifhed  with  all  the 
means  of  expeditious  travelling,  and  under  the  flimulus  of  pa- 
ternal affe&'on.  to  go  from  Capernaum  to  Cana.  Howpleaf- 
ant  was  it  to  compare  that  diftance,  and  the  ufual  rate  ot  jour- 
neying, with  the  inconceivably  rapid  tranfition  of  the  word  of 
Chrift  !  what  a  contraft  !  Here  then  was  a  demonftration  of 
the  corrtroling  power  of  Ckrift  over  fpace  ;  it  was  npt  needful 

that 


Left.  XXI.]  4ESUS   CHIWiTf.  «3/ 

that  he  fhouJd  go  up  or  come  down,  that  he  ihould  be  on  the 
fame  fpot  with  the  object  of  his  beneficence,  tor  the  purpofa  of 
effecting  a  cure.  The  divine  attribute  oi  omniprefence  was  ac- 
cordingly difplayed.  The  meafurements  ot  time  are  equally 
well-  known  and  undo  flood  ;  and  there  was  a  peculiarly  pow- 
erful motive  on  both  fides  to  mark,  the  precife  moment.  Here 
an  opportunity  was  afforded  oi  inftituting  a  fecond  compari- 
son, and  lo,  what  a  coincidence  between  the  time  of  the  lather's 
obfervation  and  that  of  the  fervants,  that  is,  when  Jefus  fpakc 
the  word  to  the  one,  and  when  the  others  perceived  a  fenfible 
change  to  the  better,  in  their  young  matter's  health  1  If  ever 
"the  relation  of  caufe  and  effect  exifted,  it  was  in  this  cafe. 
And  here  was  a  difplay  o\  another  divine  attribute,  time  as 
well  as  fpace  fubdued  to  the  will  ot  him  who  filieth  all  fpace; 
.whofe  exigence  was  before  time  began  to  flow,  and  runneth 
through  the  whole  extent  ot  its  duration  ;  with  whom  a  thou- 
sand years  are  as  One  day,  and  one  day  as  a  thoufand  years  ; 
who  nieafureth  the  lapfe  of  moments  and  of  ages  by  a  ftand- 
ard  unalterable  as  the  ordinances  of  heaven*  and  by  a  flandard 
{fill  more  intelligible,  fenfible,  interesting  and  endearing,  un- 
interrupted, unwearied  acts  ot  loving- kindnefs  and  tender 
mercy. 

It  v.-culd  be  ungenerous  and  unjufr.  to  afcribe  the  nobleman's 
minutenefs  of  inquiry  to  doubt,  or  flovrnefs  of  belief,  for  the 
hiftory  exprefsly  faith,  "the  man  believed  the  word  that  Jefus 
had  fpoken  unto  him,  and  went  his  way,"  confiding  entirely 
in  the  truth  and  faithfulnefs  of  that  word,  long  before  the  evi- 
dence of  it  rhft  him  on  the  road.  But  that  Jefus  in  whom  he 
trufled  giacioufly  gave  him  this  confirmation  of  his  faith,  tha£ 
he  might  feel  the  folidity  of  the  rock  on  which  all  his  hope 
relied.  Faith  is  taith  though  but  as  a  grain  of  muftard-feed; 
for  that  grain  contains  an  immortal  germ,  pregnant  with  all  the 
beauty  ana  nchnefs  oi  a  future  harveit.  The  apoflles  them- 
felves  were  fom;  times  weak,  at  other  times  ftrong  in  the  faith; 
fenfjble  ot  this  they  prayed  unto  the  Lord  that  he  would  '■  in- 
crealc"  it.  The  principle  is  found,  it  is  vital  :  it  may  lie  dor- 
mant, it  may  fuflfer  depreflion,  but  it  cannot  expire.  "  So  the 
father  knew  that  it  was  at  the  fame  hour  in  the  which  Jefus 
faid  unto  him,  thy  fori  liveth;  and  himfelf  believed,  and  his 
whole  houfe." 

The  miracles  of  Chrifl.  always  look  farther  than  to  their  im- 
mediate object.  Application  is  made  tor  the  removal  of  a  bod- 
ily infirmity  ;  the  difeafes  of  the  mind  are  at  the  fame  time 
feached  by  the  healing  power  of  thel\edeemer,andthe  fpeHators 
are  made  fenfible  of  a  divine  energy.    The  blind  man  comes  in 

hope 


„*3&  HISTORY    OF  [Left.   XXL 

■hope  or  having  his  fight  reftored,  he  goes  away  feeing,  and 
*vith  the  unfpeakably  greater  blelTing,  the  eyes  of  his  under- 
standing are  opened.  Behold  that  helplefs  paralytic,  *'  borne 
of  four,"  ftretched  motionlefs  on  his  couch.  At  the  word  of 
Chrifl  he  recovers  ftrength,  arifes,  takes  up  his  bed,  goes  forth 
before  them  all,  and  departs  to  his  houfe,  not  only  with  a  body 
every  whit  whole,  bat  with  a  foul  relieved  from  the  dreadful 
pre  fibre  of  the  guilt  of 'Sin  :  "  Jefus  laid  unto  the  fick  of  the 
palfy,  Son,  thy  fins  be  forgiven  thee."  Mark  thefe  ten  lepers, 
outcafts  from  fociety,  loathfome  to  them'felves,  an  abomination 
"to  others,  labouring  under  a  malady  which  medicine  could  not 
reach  ;  they  ftand  afar  off,  they  lift  up  their  voices,  they  cry 
for  mercy.  As  they  went,  at  the  command  of  Chrifl,  to  fhew 
chemfeWes  to  the  priefts,  they  were  cleanfed.  To  nine  of  the 
cen  it  proved  a  mere  temporary  relief,  a  corporal  purgation  ;  the 
fatal  leprofy  of  fin  remained  to  defile  the  confcience.  To  the 
tenth,  a  ftranger,  a  Samaritan,  it  proved  at  once  the  cure  of 
bodily  difeafe  and  of  mental  pollution:  "and  one  of  them, 
when  he  faw  that  he  was  healed,  turned  back,  and  with  a  loud 
voice  glorified  God,  and  fell  down  on  his  face  at  his  feet,  giv- 
ing him  thanks  :  and  he  was  a  Samaritan.  And  Jefus  anfwer- 
ling,  faid,  were  there  not  ten  cleanfed  ?  but  where  are  the  nine  ? 
There  are  not  found  that  returned  to  give  glory  to  God,  fave 
.  this  ftranger.  And  he  faid  unto  him,  arife,  go  thy  way  ;  thy 
faith  hath  made  thee  whole." 

Illuftrious  to  the  fame  purpofe  is  the  hiftory  of  the  miracle 
under  review.  The  nearer  and  more  immediate  objecf  is  a 
ikk  child  at  Capernaum,  reftored  inftantaneoufly  from  threat- 
ening indifpofition  to  perfect  foundnefs.  But  confider  how 
xnany  momentous  circumftances  are  involved  in  that  one  ob- 
ject. The  father  was  a  perfon  of  the  very  firft  diftin&iori,  .con- 
nected with  the  higher  powers  of  this  world,  at  the  head  of  a 
numerous  and  well-ordered  houfehold,  a  man  of  urbanity,  un- 
derftanding  and  addrefs.  Converted  himfelf  to  the  faith  of  the 
gofpel,  behold  him  difpofed  to  employ  the  whole  weight  of  his 
influence,  of  his  authority,  of  his  example,  in  promoting  the 
caufe  which  he  himfelf  had  from  conviction  embraced.  In- 
calculable is  the  effeft  which  one  man  of  character,  talents  and 
virtue  may  produce  in  a  court,  a  city,  a  kingdom,  a  world.  No 
one  can  be  folitariiy  either  good  or  wicked.  The  contagion 
whether  of  virtue  or  vice  is  quickly  caught  and  communicated, 
with  this  difference,  that  in  the  one  cafe  there  is  a  repulfive 
iaculty  that  guards  the  fyftem  again  ft  the  admiflion  of  the  gra- 
cious principle,  and  which  therefore  needs  to  be  corrected; 
whereas  in  the  other  there  is  a  predifpofrtion  to  abforb  the  poi-' 

fon^ 


IjG&rXXW.}  JESUS  CHRIST.  *•<* 

fori,  which  it  requires  no  common  fkill  and  attention  to  pre-- 
vent.  Whatever  might  be  the  more  remote,  or  more  extenfive. 
influence  of  this  good  man's  faith  and  piety,  the  Evangeliit  in-. 
forms  us  that  it  embraced  at  leafl  the  whole  of  his  own  family  : 
"  aud  hirnfelf  believed  and  his  whole  houfe."  Here  was  ano- 
ther province,  by  a  ftrong  hand  rent  from  the  empire  of  Satan 
and  added  to  the  kingdom  of  the  MefTiah  ;  "for  he  muft  reign- 
till  he  hath  put  all  his  enemies  under  his  feet." 

We  conclude  with  a  few  practical   reflections  fuggefted   by* 
this  portion  of  our  blefTed  Lord's  hillory. 

1.  Events,  to  our  apprehenfion,  cafual,  ordinary,  mcrel/ 
things  of  coiirfe,  are,  in  the  purpofe  of  the  Eternal  Mind,  order* 
connection,  mutual  dependence.  Our  eyes  are  too  feeble  to 
difcern  how  delicately  fine  the  hinges  are  oh  which  the  mighty 
machinery  ot  heaven  moves.  The  entefj  rizes  of  rran  ex- 
hibit the  noife  and  tluftte  of  preparation,  and  violence  of  exer- 
lion,  and  lo,  they  come  to  nothing  they  commence  in  a  bl:ze, 
and  prefently  iiTue  in  fmoke.  The  defigns  of  the  Mod  High* 
nave,  from  imperceptible  beginnings  made  a  filent,  unnoticed 
progrefs,  and  have  acquired  ftrength  irrefiftdble  before  atten- 
tion was  excited  ;  they  iiTue  from. a  dark  cloud,  and  advance* 
"With  growing  luffre  unto  the  perfect  day.  What  more  com. 
ihon  than  ficknefs  in  a  numerous  family  ?  Uniform  health,  not 
Occafional  difeafe,  is  the  wonder.  The  malady  of  a  beloved 
Child  Ipreads  a  fable  veil  over  an  honourable  houfe  ;  it  threat- 
ens to  embiter  the  future  days  of  furvivors  ;  the  hand  of  dearh. 
is  lifted  up  to  ftrike  the  decifive  blow.  It  is  a  critical  mo- 
ment. The  Lord  gives  the  word.  The  child  lives,  the  parent 
believes,  the  whole  houfe  is  converted  unto  the  Lord,  an  im- 
preflion  favourable  to  chriftianity  is  made  on  the  public  mind, 
the  dominion  of  grace  is  extended,  and  the  kingdom  of  glory 
opens  to  view.  From  fuch  a  hidden  fource,  inacceflible  as  that 
of  the  Nile,  iffues  the  majeftic  river,  deftined  to  adorn  and  fer- 
tilize diftant  regions  and  the  nations  which  inhabit  them.  This 
day  falvation  came  to  the  houfe  of  that  nobleman.  It  wore  a 
lowering  afpeel,  but  it  brightened  as  it  went. 

2.  Mark  the  impartial  regards  of  the  great  Lord  of  all  to  his 
creatures  of  every  order  and  condition.  With  fome  men  there 
is  a  ftrong  prejudice  in  favour  of  nobility  and  affluence,  as  if 
they  implied  grcatnefs  generofity,  capacity.  Others  are  ac- 
tuated by  a  prejudice  equally  violent  and  iinreafonable  againfl 
them.  Wifd  -m  fays,  look  to  the  man,  and  not  to  his  cir- 
cumftances.  Goodnefs-  is  the  object  of  commendation  and  ef- 
teem,  whether  in  the  high  or  the  low,  the  rich  or  the  poor  ; 
and  vice  is  odious  whatever  be  the  condition  of  life.  A  right- 
*?ous  judge  confidercth  the  caufe,  not  the  rank  and  charaCter 

or 


1$©  HISTORY   OF  [Left.  xxt. 

of  the  parties.  And  left  there  mould  be  an  improper  bias  to 
the  fide  of  poverty,  as  there  fometimes  is  to  the  fide  of  wealth., 
the  law  very  wifely  throws  in  this  caution  :  "  Neither  fhalfc 
thou  countenance  a  poor  man  in  his  caufe."  Our  Lord  few 
the  example  o^  this  impartiality.  Nobility  could  be  no  recom- 
rnen'dation  to  his  favour,  neither  was  it  any  ,  bar  in  the  waya 
The  diftrefs,  the  importunity,  the  parental  affection  of  the  man 
rnoved  his  companion,  the  current  of  which  could  not  be  im- 
peded by  the  confideration  of  his  being. a  courtier.  It  is  a  mel- 
ancholy reflection,  "  that  not  many  wife  men  after  the  flefh, 
not  many  mighty,  not  many  noble  are  called  ;  but  it  is  pleafmg 
t  reflect  that  the  rule  is  not  abfolute  and  uhiverfal.  The  hjf~ 
tory  of  the  Chriflian  church  and  the  ftate  of  the  world  at  this 
day,  exhibit  many  glorious  inflances  of  the  triumph  of  divine 
grace  over  the  fafciriatioB  of  high  rank,  the  deceitfulnefs  oi 
riches,  and  the  pride  of  fife.  As  fuch  perfons  had  more  to 
combat  and  to  overcome  than  others,  the  combat  and  the  con- 
queft  redound  the  more  to  the  glory  of  God,  in  whofe  ftrengtfa 
they  overcome. 

3.  We  have  before  us  an  example  of  high  moral  virtue,  ex- 
iting without  a  principle  of  faving  faith.  This  nobleman  a- 
dorned  his  exalted  ftation  by  qualities  eftimable  in  whatever 
rank.  He  ruled  well  his  own  houfe.  He  was  an  affectionate 
parent,  and  a  kind  mafler.  And  when  we  behold  a  man  ful- 
filling the  duties  of  one  relation  reputably  to  himfelf  and  ufe- 
fully  to  others,  we  are  bound  in  charity  to  believe,  that  he  a£fs 
•worthily  in  the  other  relations  of  life.  When  an  inftance  of 
this  kind  prefents  it.felf.  it  excites  regret  that  fuch  a  one.  though 
•'  not  far  from  the  kingdom  of  God,"  mould  neverthelefs  come 
(hort.  It  is  religion  that  confers  dignity  on  high  birth,  and 
that  gives  energy  to  virtue.  If  then  this  man  were  refpe&able 
and  exemplary  by  his  virtuous  conduct,  how  much  more  (0  is 
he,  when  faith  is  added  t®  virtue,  now  that  a  divine  principle 
fenclifies,  animates,  ennobles  every  action,  and  renders  ordina- 
ry employments  not  only  a  reafonable  but  a  religious  fervice. 
Morality,  then,  may  exiii  without  religion,  but  there  can  be 
no  religion  without  morality.  "  Faith,  if  k  hath  not  works  is 
dead,  being  alone  :"  'Moras  the  body  without  the  fpirit  is 
dead,  fo  faith  without  works  is  de2d  alio."  If  in  his  mere  civil' 
and  moral  capacity  the  nobleman  of  Capernaum  adminiftered 
his  affairs  fo  wifely  and  fo  well,  what  mull  have  been  the  ar- 
dor of  natural  afFecYion,  his  difcretion  in  the  management  of  his 
houfehold,  the  propriety  of  his  perfonal  deportment,  now  that 
his  underftanding  is  illuminated,  and  his  heart  warmed,  and  the 
path  of  bis  feet  guided,  by  the  facred  flame  of  religion  I   now 

that 


^e&.  XXI.j  JESUS  CHRIST.  if* 

that  "  the  grace  of  God,  that  brir.geth  falvation  had  appeared 
to  him,  teaching'.'  him,  as  it  does  all  its  fuhjefts,  ';  that  deny- 
ing ungodlinefs  and  worldly  luffs,  we  mould-live  fo:erly,rjght- 
eouily  and  godly,  in  this  prefent  world  ;  looking,  for  that  blef- 
fed  hope,  and  the  glorious. appearing  ot  the  great  God  and  our 
Saviour  jefus  Chriil  ;  who  gave  himfelt  f  >r  us,  that  he  might 
redeem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  purity  unto  himfelt  a  peculiar 
people*  zealous  of  good  works." 

4.     Do  v/e  feel  parental   fo! icitude  about  the  bodily   heal,t,h, 
and  the  mental  improvement,  and  the  worldly  profperity  ot  our 
children  ?.  What  then  ought  to  be  the  fervor  ot  our  'fpirits  at  a 
ihrone   01  grace,  to  obtain  tor  them  an  intereft  in  the  raVOuf  of 
God,  the  knowledge  that  maketh  wife  unto  falvation,  the  fpir- 
itof  fanftiflcation.  a  right  to  '*  p.p.  inheritance   incorruptible, 
and  undefiled^and  thatfarieth  not  away  ?"  From  their  relation 
to  us  they  derive  pollution,  guilt,,  condemnation,  and   death  ; 
and  (hall  we  net  be  Simulated  to  repair   the  injury   we   have 
done  them  ;  and,  by  nurture,  by  example,  by  prayer  and  fup- 
plication,  become  the  in'ftruments  ot  making  them  *'  partakers 
ot  the  divine  nature,"  and  of  rai  fi&g  them  to  the  rank  of  "  heirs 
ot  God,  and  joint-heirs  with  Chrift."     Wo  unto  them,  and  un- 
to us,  unleis  they  are  adopted  into  a  nobler  family,  and  exalted 
:o  higher  privileges,  than  thofe  to  which  the  birth  cf  nature  en- 
titles them  ;  and  unlefs  they  "receive  the- Spirit  of  adoption, 
whereby  they  may  cry,  Abba,  Father.?     What  will,  it  be   to 
.  prefent  ourfelves,  at  length,  and  our  offspring,,    whether  after 
the  flelh,  or  after  the  fpirit,  or  both  in  one,  with  joy  unfpeaka- 
.ble  and  full  ot  glory,  faying1,   ''Behold,    I,  and   the   children, 
-which  Cod  hath  given  me.!"  Let  this  profpec];  direclour  wife*. 
C$,  dictate  our  prayers,  animate  our  exertions,  till,,  with   Ifrael, 
we  have  power  with  God  and  with  men,  and  prevail. 
.     5.     Finally,  In  the  prefence   ot    that   God    with    whom   we 
have  to  do,  and  of  Jefus,  "  who  is  God   over  all,   and   bleflerl 
forever,"  all  (pace  fhrinks  into  a  fpan,  all  duration  into  a   mo- 
ment.    "  Am  I  a  God  at  hand,  faith  the  Lord,  and  not  a  God 
afar  ofT?   Dc  not  I  fill  heaven  and  earth,  faith  the  "Lord  ?"  Re- 
alize that  awlul  omniprefence  as  a  guard  upon  the   heart,  upon 
the  tongue,  upon  the  life  ;  as  a  ground  of  hope  and  a  fource  ot 
joy  in  every  dark  and  trying  hour.     "  God  is  a   very    prefent 
help  in  trouble."     "  Though  1  walk  through  the  valley  ot  the 
{hadew  pi  death  I  will  tear  no  evil  ;   for  thou    art    with   me  ; 
thy  rod  and  thy   ftafFtbey  comfort   me."     He  is  faithful  who 
hath  promifed.  to  bis  Ifrael  whom  he  hath  created,  whom    he 
hath  formed,  whom  he  hath  redeemed,  whom  he  hath  called  by 
name,  "  When  thou  pafTeft  through  the  waters,  1  will   be  with 
G  k  thee  j 


I  thee  ;  and  through' the  rivers,  they  fhall  not  overflow  thee: 
when  thou  walked  through  the  fire,  thou  {halt  not  be  burnt; 
neither  fhall  the  flame  kindle  upon  thee."  Are  M  a  thoufand 
years  in  his  fight  but  as  yefterday,  when  it  is  pad,  and  as  a 
watch  in  the  night  ?"  And  do  "  we  fpend  our  years  as  a  tale 
that  is  told?"  <k  See  then  that  ye  walk  circumfpe£Hy,  not  as  fools 
but  as  wife,  redeeming  the  time,,  becaufe  the  days  are  evil." 
There  is  no  commodity  which  men  trifle  with  fo  fadly,  when 
they  have  it  at  command,  as  time  ;  and  no  one  the  lofs  of 
which  they  fo  bitterly  deplore,  when  it  is  in  their  power  no 
longer.  Account  every  inftant  critical  and  decifive,  for  un- 
doubtedly many  are  fo.  Remember  that  you  are  the  difciples 
of  him  who  faith  of  rnmfeli  ;  *'  I  muft  work  the  work  of  him 
that  fent  me  while  it  is  day  :  the  night  cometh,  when  no  man 
can  work," 


LECTURE 


i-eth  xxii.]-  jesus  Christ.  4'gjg 


LECTURE     XXII. 


MATTHEW,  VIII.  £—12,  end  LUKE,  VII.    1 — 10. 

sind  when  Jefus  was  entered  into  Caper naum,  there  cam    unto 
him  a  Centurion,  befeeching  him,  and  faying ',  Lord,    my  fer- 
vant  lieth  at  home  fick  of  the  palfy,  gnevoiifly   tormented,  and 
Jejus  faith  unto  him,  I  will  come  and  heal  him.     The   Centu- 
rion anjwered  and  J  aid,    Lord,  I  am   not  worthy  that  thou 
Jliouldejl  come  under  my  roof  :  But  f peak  the  word  only,    and 
my  Jervant  Jial I  ie  healed.     For  1  am  a  man  under  authority ', 
having  J  olditrs  under  me,  and  I  Jay  to  this  man,  go,  and  he 
gceth,  and  to  another,  come,  and  he  cometk  ;  and  to  my  Jer- 
vanty  do  this,  and  he  doeth  it,     IVhen  Jejus  heard  it  he  mar  - 
veiled,  and  /aid  to  them  that  followed,  verily  I  fay  unto  you, 
I  have  not  found  fo  great  faith,  no  not  in  IjracL     And  1  Jay 
unto  you,  that  many  Jhall  come  from  the   eafi   and  wefl,    and 
JJiall  fit  down  with  Abraham,    and  Ifaac,  and  Jacob,  in   the 
kingdom  of  heaven  :  but  the  children  of  the  kingdom  Jhall  be 
cafl  out  into  outer  darknefs  :  there  JJiall  be  weeping  and  gnafh- 
ing  of  teeth.     And  Je/usjaid  unto  the  Centunon,go  thy  way, 
and  as  thou  haft  believed,  fo  be  it   done  unto   thee.     4nd  his 
fervant  was  healed  in  the  jetf-jame  hour.— Now  when  he  had 
ended  ali  his  fayings  in  the  audience  of  the  people,    he    entered 
into  Capernaum.     And  a   certain   Centurion's  Jervant,    who 
was  dear  unto  him,  wasjick,  and  ready  to  die.     And  when  he 
heard  of  Jejus,  hefent  unto  him  the  elders  of  the  Jews,  bejeecti- 
ing  him  that  tie  would  come  and  heal  his  Jervant.     And  when 
they  came  to  Jejus,  they  be/ought  him  injiantly,  faying,   thai 
he  was  worthy  for  whom  hejiowddo  this  :  Jor  he  loveth  our 
nation,  and  he  hath  built  us  a  fynagogue.     Then  Jefus   went 
with  them.     And  when   he  was  now  not  Jar  frojn  the   houfe% 
ike  Centurion  fentjriends  to  him,  laying  unto  him.  Lord,  troub- 
le not  thyjelf  ;  for  I  am  not  worthy  that    thou  Jliouldejt   enter 
under  my  roof:  wherejore  neither  thought  1  my/ejf  worthy  to 
come  unto  thee  :  but  jay  in  a  word,  and  my  jervant  Jhall  be 
healed.     For  1  aljoama  man  jet  under  authority,  having  un- 
der me  Joldiers  ;  and  I  jay  unto  one  go,  and  he  goct'i  ;  and  to 
cnot/ier,  come,  and  he  ccmeth  ;  and  to  my  lervant,  do  this,  and 


- 


IU$T0RY    ©?  ^Ltti.   XXI, 


hcdocihii.  When  J  ejus  heard  thefe  things  he  marvelled  at 
trim,  arid  turned  him  about,  and  jcid  unto  the  'people  that  joL 
lowed  him,  1  jay  untd  you;  1  have  not  found  jo  great  faftk,  no 
not  in  IjracL'  And  they  that  xuere  jent  returning  to  thekoujc^ 
Jound  the  jcrvani  whole  thai  had  been  jkk*  • 

THE  various  orders  of  men  which  ex  ill  in  fociety  are  a  de~ 
rhonftratidn  that  Fociety  is  in  a  'very  imperfect/  and  cor.*' 
rupt  flate.  Re  (lore  everlaftirig  and  univerfal  peace  to  a  troub- 
led world,*  and  the  proieilion  of  a  foldier  is  at  an  end.  There- 
Were  then  no  V  battle  of  the  warrior  with  oonfufed  noife,  and 
'garments  rolled  in  blood.'*  /'While  injuftice,  violence  and  cru- 
elty are  in  the  world/there  mult  be  tribunals,  and  prifons  and 
fcaffolds.  The  ravages  of  difeafe,  and  the "thoufand  'accidents 
to  which"  human  lite  is  expbfed,  render  riecefTary  the  inter por- 
tion of  the  healing  art.  'When  the  time  of  the  reftitution,  of 
all'  things  (hall  come  the  office  of  public  inftruftor  {hall  ceafe. 
'*  They  mall  not  teach  every  man  his  neighbour,  and  ever 
man  his  brother,  faying,  know  the  Lord  :  for  all  (hall  know 
me,  from  the  lea  If  to  the  greateit .  -  To  this  bleifed  confumma- 
tion  we  are  encouraged  to  look  forward,  when  the  fp-int  bi 
love  fhall  ablorb  the  flame  of  difcord,  and  make  the  fvvord  drop 
from  the  hand  of  the  man  of  war  ;  when  the  courts  mail  be 
(hut  and  the  prifon-doors  thrown  open,  b'ecaufe  fraud  and  vio- 
lence  are  no  more -when,  in  the  beautifully  figurative  lan- 
guage of  the°fjrophet,  "  The wolf  alfo  fhall  dwell  with  the 
lamb,  and  the  leopard  fhall  lie  down'  with  the  kid  ;  and  the 
call,  and  the-young  lion,  and  -the 'lading  together,  and  a  little 
child  mall' lead  the^n.  '  And  the  cow  and  the  bear  (hall  feed  \ 
their  young;  ones  (hall  lie  down  together  :  and  the  lion  fhah 
eat  ftrawiike  the  ox.  wAnd*  the' Tucking 'child  fhall  play  on 
the  hole  of  the  afp,  and  the  weaned  child  mail  put  his  hand  on 
the  cockatrice  de\  They  fhall  not  hurt  nor  deftroy  in  all  my 
holy  mountain  :  'for  the  earth  (hall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of- 
the  Lord,  as  the  waters  cover  the  fea."  " 

Certain  profeflions,  it  has  been  alleged,  have  in  their  very 
nature  a  corruptive  quality.  s  That  of  the  military  man  is  fup- 
pofed  to  be  o;  this  number.-  The  Vulgar  alFociate  with  it  the 
ideas  of 'infolence;  ferocity,  licentioufnefs,  and  of  other  hateful 
qualities.  r  Like  ever?  other  general  cenfure,'this  too  muft  be' 
taken  with  many  gtc ins  of  allowance,  and  candour  muff  admit 
that  there  are  excellent  men  of  every  pfofefhon  ;•  and,  in  the 
cart-  oiilluitrious  exceptions  from  the  generality  of  the  ftig- 
matized  orders,  "higher  praife  is  undoubtedly  due  to  thofe  who 
have  the  courage  \q  refifl,  and  flrength  to  overcome  the  tempta- 

lions 


LecVxxw.]  jedus  christ. 


HS 


dons  to  which  their  manner  of  life,  and  the  very  means  of  earn-. 
ingtheir  fubfiftence  ex  pole  them,  than  to  perfons.  who  had  no 
fuch  difiiculties  to  encounter. :  '  Of  t  his  defcription  are  the  no. 
bieman,  and  the  Roman  centurion  of  Capernaum.  The  hiito- 
ry  oi  the  former,  as  far  as  connected  with  that  or  our  bJeifed 
JLord,  was  the  fubjecl  of  the  la  ft  Lecture,  "that  of  the  latter  is 
now  to  be  the  ground  or  our  meditation,  The  two  perfonages 
prefent  a  finking  relemblance  to  each  other,  in  their  perfonal 
character,  in  then  condition  of  life,' in  the  circumftances  which 
brought  them  acquainted  with  the  Saviour  of  the  world.  They 
dwelt  in  the  flhife  city,  perhaps  in  habits  of  intimacy,  lor  the 
good  naturally  attract  and  aflociate  with  the  good  ;  the  one  a 
courtier,  the  other  an  officer  of  very  confiderable  rank  ;  both, 
inen  of  humanity,  of  gentle  manners,  of  amiable,  of  noble  de- 
portment ;  the  one  a  i uppliarit  in  behalf  of  a  darling  child,  la- 
bouring cinder  an  attack  of  the  fever,  the  other  in  behalf  of  a 
favourite  ftffvafet,  attacked  by  a  violent  paralytic  affection  ;  both 
fuccefsful  in  iheir  application,  and  both  deeply  imprefled  with 
the  character  of  their  great  Benefactor.  Wnh  fo  many  marks 
of  refernblance;  (lie  two  little  hidories  difplay  a  lovely,  a  fife  £1- 
ing  and  inftiTictive  variety,  tending  to  unfold  the  various  (hades' 
ot  the  "human  mind,  in  the  changing  fcenes  of  human  life,  and 
equally  tending  to  illmlrate  the  grace  and  power  of  Chrift,  ev- 
er ready  to  meet  every  cafe,  adapted  alike  to  the  relief  of  the 
bodies  and  of  the  fouls  of  men. 

The  perfo'n  who  applied  to  Jefus  Chrift  on  this  occafion  was 
a  centurion,  that  is,  as  the  word  imports,  an  officer  in  the  Ro- 
man army  who  had  a  hundred  men  under  his  command.  It 
cor?efponded  nearly  to  the  rank  of  captain  in  titer  military  ef. 
tabli  foment.  Judea  was  at  this  time  a  conquered  province,  in' 
fubjeclion  to  the  authority  of  a  Roman  governor,  and  kept  in 
awe  by  Rowirin  fcldiery.  The  Jews  vainly  boafted  that  they 
were  '■'  Abraham's  feed,  and  were  never  in  bondage  to  any 
man  :"  whereas  it  was  notorious  to  the  whole  world  that  from 
the  days  of  Egyptian  bondage,  down  to  the  defpotifm  of  Ti- 
berius Cefar,  their  intervals  of  liberty  had  been  tew,  tranfient 
and  interrupted  ;  and  a«  that  very  moment  they  were  murmur- 
ing under  the  preflure  of  a  galling  yoke,  impofed  on  their 
neck,  and  kept  there,  by  the  (Irong  hand  of  power  ;  and  Jefus 
Chnft  convicts  them  of  being  in  fubjection  to  a  yoke  ftill  more 
galling  and  difgracetul  :  -"  whofoever  committcth  fin  is  the 
fervant  of  fin."  But  firch  a.-e  the  felf-delufions  which  men 
praclile.  Every  Roman  loldier  who  was  feen,  every  Roman 
coin  that  circulated  through  the  land  demonftrated  that  they 
were  not  a  iree  people,    ludeed  they  were  not  worthy    to   be 


fj&  Hi  STORY   OF  [X.C&.   XXiJL 

jfo,  for  they  never  enjoyed  liberty  without  abufing  it.  i  Hap- 
py was  it  ior  the  diftnct  of  Capernaum  to  be  under  a  gov- 
ernment fa  mild  and  moderate  as  that  of  this  good  centurion. 

The  two  E.vangeiifts  who  have  recorded  this  fa£,   differ  in 
fame  circumitances  ot  their  narration.     In   reading    St.   Mat- 
thew's account  we  are  led  to  fuppofe  that  the   centurion  made 
perfonal   application  to   Chnfr,   for  the  cure  ot  his  fervant^ 
whereas  in  the  more  circumstantial  account  of  the  tranfaclion, 
tranimitted  to  us  by  St.  Luke,  we  find  that  the  application   wag 
made  in  the  firft  inilance,  through  the  medium  ot  4<  the  elderp 
of  the  Jews."     But  there  is  no  real  difference  between  the  two 
hiMorians.     It  was  3  maxim  among  the  Jews,  M  a  man's  proxy 
is  the  man  himfelt,"  and   it  is   iliii    a  rule  among  Civilians,, 
"What  we  do  by  another    we    are    adjudged    to   have  done 
ourfelves."     In  a  procefs  ot  law,  a  party  is   faid  to  come  into 
court,  and  to  have  made  fuchareprefemation,  though  he  appear- 
ed only   by  his  counfel   or  folicitor.     Thus  Jethro  came  to 
Motes  firft  by  a  meffenger,  with  thefe  words  in  his  mouth;  'SI 
thy  lather-in-law  Jethro  am  come  unto  thee,  and  thy  wife,  and 
her  two  children."     On  receiving  this   meflage,  Moles  went 
out  to  enjoy  a  perfonal  interview  with  his  family.     Thus  Solo- 
mon lent  ambaiTadors  to  Hiram,  who  were  to  addrefs  him  not 
in  the  plural  number,  but  in  the  fir  ft  per  fan  lingular,  as  it  Solo- 
mon hirafelf  had  fpoken  the   words  face  to  face;  "  behold,  I 
purpofe  to  build  an  houfe  unto  the  name  ot  the  .Lord  my  God;" 
and  Hiram  fairly   confiders  himfelt   as  "hearing  the  words  of 
Solomon,"     Thus  the  two   fans  of   Zebedee  came  to  Chrift, 
with  a  petition,  through  the  medium  ot  their  mother;  and  thus 
John  Baptift,   now  fhut  up  in  a  prifan,  addreiTed   himfelt  to 
Jelus  by  two  ot  his  difciples,  faying,  "  Art  thou  he  that  mould 
iome,  or  do  we  look  tor  another."     Matthew,  in  conformity  to 
this  mode  of  fpeecU  and  thought,  reprefents  the  centurion  as 
coming   in  perfan  to   Chrift,  though  at  firil,  through  modefty 
and  humility,  he  thought  proper  to  employ  the  interceflion  o£ 
Others. 

We  have  here  a  fmgularly  pleafant  opening  into  a  good 
mind.  This  man  was  accuftomed  to  command,  not  to  fuppli- 
cate,  to  dictate  not  to  bend.  But  men  is  his  veneration  tor  the 
perfan  and  character  ot  Chrifl,  that  he  is  awed  at  the  thought 
of  appearing  in  his  prefence  ;  inftead  cf  refarting  to  the  exer- 
cife  ot  authority,  he  has  recourfe  to  entreaty,  and  hopes  irom 
the  interpolation  of  men  better  than  himfelt  what  he  dared  not 
to  aik  on  his  own  account.  Does  this  bring  his  courage  under 
lufpicion  ?  Is  it  likely  that  fuch  a  man  would  turn  his  back  in 
*he  day  of  battle  ?  No,  iurely.    It   is  the  coward   that  ftruts, 

and 


Left.  XX II.]  JESUS    CHRIST.  ±Qf 

and  boafls,  and  threatens ;  the  truly  brave  are  modefr.,  gentle 
and  unafluming  ;  they  fpeak  by  their  anions,  not  by  high 
dwelling  words  of  vanity.  And  yet  this  centurion  bud  more 
than  one  plea  of  merit  to  advance.  He  had  borne  his  faculties 
moll  meekly  in  his  great  office.  He  had  not  opprefled,  he 
had  not  been  guilty  of  extortion  ;  and  even  this  negative  vir- 
tue merits  fome  degree  of  commendation.  On  the  contrary 
he  cherifhed,  encouraged,  protected  the  people  whom  he  wan 
fenttorule.  In  (lead  of  reftrifting  their  religious  liberty,  ©r 
permitting  their  worfhip  to  be  dift'urbed,  he  liberally  contrib- 
uted toward  the  maintenance  of  public  worfhip,  and  more 
probably  affi fled  at  it.  In  a  word,  he  was  a  public  bleffing. 
Men  generally  fet  the  fuH  value  on  the  good  a£lions  which 
they  perform,  and  are  frequently  at  pains  to  make  an  oflenta- 
tious  difplay  of  them.  He  puts  in  no  claim,  exacts'"  no  ac- 
knowledgment, expecls  no  return.  The  elders  of  the  Jews 
feel  themfelves  To  much  the  more  called  upon  to  celebrate  his 
good  qualities,  and  to  enumerate  his  benefits.  "  They  came 
to  J'efus,  and  befought  him  inftantly,  faying,  that  he  was  wor- 
thy tor  whom  he  fhould  do  this  ;  for  he  loveth  our  nation,  and 
he  hath  built  us  a  fynagogue."  If  indeed  he  had  become  a 
profelyte  to  the  Jewim  religion,  that  is,  a  woifhipper  of  the 
one  living  and  true  God,  as,  from  the  whole  hiftcry  taken  to- 
gether, there  is  little  reafon  to  doubt,  a  ftill  higher  degree  oi 
refpe&ability  attaches  to  his  chai after.  What  obftacles  had  he 
not  to  furmount,  what  prejudices  to  overcome  !  The  prejudice 
cf  education  in  the  religion  of  polytheifm,  or  a  plurality  oi 
Gods  ;  the  prejudice  of  profeflion,  which  fometimes  makes  it 
a  point  of  honour  to  be  of  no  religion,  fometimes  to  adhere  to 
the  firft  adopted  ;  political  prejudice,  which  would  have  tied 
him  down  to  the  religion  of  the  imperial  court,  the  fource  cf 
all  civil  and  military  preferment  :  and  more  than  all  ihefe,  he 
had  to  encounter  the  formidable  laugh  of  the  world,  the  raille- 
ry of  his  fellow  officers,  the  fneer  of  witlings.  The  courage 
that  could  meet  and  overcome  fuch  difcouragements  is  indeed 
the  courage  of  a  hero. 

It  is  now  time  to  inquire  into  the  object  of  this  circuitous 
expoflulation.  What  point  is  to  be  carried  ?  what  interefl  is 
at'  flake  to  warrant  fuch  earneflnefs  and  importunity  ?  a  ler- 
vant  Tick  of  the  palfy,  and  ready  to  die.  The  word  tranflated 
Jtrvant,  through  the  whole  of  St.  Matihew's  narration,  (ignifies 
hoyy  a  term  ot  ambiguous  meaning,  being  employed  to  denote 
either  child  ot  krvani,  and  it  determines  the  age  only,  not  the 
quality  of  the  patient.  But  the  Greek  word  nfed  by  St.  Luke, 
except  in  one  cjaufe,  is  of  unequivocal  import,  and  indeed  re- 


24$  HISTORY  OF  [Left.  XXIU 

<luces  the  young,  man's  condition  lower  than  that  of  fervant, 
for  it  meznsjlave^  and  exprelTes  the  low  eft  condition  of  human, 
wretchednefs.  .  This  young  perfon  might  have  been  either  a 
prifoner  of  war,  or  purchafed  with  money  ;  and  fiaves^of  both 
defcriptions  were  frequently  endowed  with,  rare  accomplifh- 
rnents.  As  Providence  permitted  the  boy  to  fink  into  this  de- 
graded ftate,  it  was  fome  compensation,  that  he  fell  into  the, 
hands  of  a  kind  and  affectionate  mailer,  a  man  of  principle,  a \ 
man  of  humanity.  Where  is  now  the  ferociouihefs,  the  infen- 
^bility,  the  indifference  of  the  ibldier  ?  All  melts  into  Sympa- 
thy with  diftrefs,  and  into  a  fenfe  of  mutual  obligation.  Thus 
it  is  that  the  God;  who  made  us,  who  "  knoweth  our  frame,  and  , 
who  remembereth  that  we  are  duff.,"  balances  evil  with  good, 
and  either  finds  a  way  to  efcape,  or  adminifters  ftrength  to  fup- 
port  the  calamity.  Thus  neceffary  to  each  other  are  the  mem, 
hers  in  both  the  fecial  and  the  natural  body.  "  It  the  foot  fhalj  \ 
fay,  becaufe  I  am  not  the  hand,  I  am  not  of  the  body  ;  is  it 
therefore  not  of  the  body  ?  And  if  the  ear  mail  fay,  becaufe  I 
am  not  the  eye,  I  am  not  of  the  body  ;  is  it  therefore,  not  of  the 
body  ?"  "  And  the  eye  cannot  fay  unto  the  hand,  I  have  no, 
need  of  thee  ;  nor  again  the  head  to  the  feet,  I  have  no  need  oi 

^OU.  :  •  •  . 

The  cafe  of  the  little  (lave  was  dangerous  if  not.  dejperate* 
The  palfy  is  a  partial  death  of  the  limbs  afte6ied.  Here  it  was 
a  privation  of  motion,  while  acute  fenfibility  remained,  he  was 
•'  grievcufly  tormented  ;"  and  this  combination  of  pain  and  in- 
terrupted circulation  threatened  approaching  diffolution.  But. 
the  maxim  is  excellent  both  in  medicine  and  in  morals.  "  While 
there  is  life  there  is  hope,"  and  religion  advances  a  jlep  far- 
ther, and  fays,  "  Even  in  death  there  is  hope.*'  Many  a  prom- 
ifing  cafe  has  been, loft  through  impatience  and  defpair.  Till 
Providence  has  decided,  man  is  bound  to  perfevere  in  the  ufe 
of  means.  It  is  evident  that  the  centurion  expecled  every 
thing  from  the  fovereign  power,  and  not  from  the  perfonal 
pretence  of  Chriif.  ;  and  herein  his  faith  foared  much  higher, 
than  that  of  the  nobieman,  who  had  no  idea  of  a  cure  efre£te& 
at  a  diftance  from  the  objeft.  But  how  (hall  we  account  for 
the  co/d,  repulfive  reception  given  to  the  perfonal  felicitation 
of  the  nobleman  ;  *e  except  ye  fee  figns  and  wonders,  ye  will 
not  believe  :"  and  for  th^  frank  and  cheerful  compliance  with 
the  centurion's  meflage,  "  I  will  come  and  heal  him  ?"  Jefu? 
will  have  his  fovereignty  felt  and  acknowledged  in  all  things. 
Humility  and  felf-abafement  are  the  moll  powerful  claims  of  a 
fuppliant,  and  the  lubli.irier  faith  has  the  fuperior  power  with 
God  and  prevails;  , 

lnf!ead 


'Left.  XXII.]  JESUS   CHRIST.  £49 

Xnflead  of  being  transported  with  joy  at  the  thought   of  this 
proffered  vifit,   the   centurion    fhrinks    from   the  approach  of 
Chrift.     A  fenfe  of  guilt  and  unworthinefs  itares  him   in  the 
i'ace.     The  prefence  of  a  perfbnage  fo  pure,  fo  exalted,  he  feels 
himfelf  unable  to  fupport,  and  deputes   other   friends    10  meet 
.Jefus,  to  renew  his  fuit,  but  to  deprecate  the  degradation  of  his 
d:gnified  character,  by  converfing  with  one  fo  mean  as  himlelf, 
and  by  coming  under  a  roof    fo   unworthy   to   receive  fnch  a 
gnefi.     Finding  however  that  Jefus  drew  nigher  and   nigher, 
he  at  length  afuirn.es  resolution,  and  goes  forth  himfelf  to  meet 
him,  with  a  heart  overwhelmed,  overflowing,  and  a  mouth  fill- 
ed with   arguments.     Never  did  imagination  conceive,  never 
did  heart  feel,  never  did  tongue  exprefs   a    ftrain    of  reafoning 
more  forcible,  more  affefling,  more  fublime.     "  The  centurion 
anfvvered  and  fail,  Lord,  I  am  not  worthy  that  th^u   fhouldefl 
come  under   my   roof  :  but  fpeak  the  word  only,  and  my  (er- 
vant  (hall  be  healed.     For  I  am  a  man  under  authority,  having 
foldiers  under  me,  and  I  fay  to  this  man,  go,  and. he  goeth,  and 
to  another  come,  and  he  cometh  ;  and  to  my  fcrvant,  do    this, 
and  he  doeth  it."     The  knowledge  which  he  had  of  his  own 
profefhon  is  the  foundation  of  his  argument.     In  a  military  ef~ 
tablifhment,  all  muft  be  cheerful  fubordination  and  prompt  o- 
bedience.     He  himfelf  was  at  once  under  authority,  and  in  au- 
thority.    He  had  not  the  idea  of  disputing   the  commands  of 
his  fuperior,  and  he  knew  that  his  word,  that  his  nod  was  a  law 
to  his  inferiors.     Under  this  notion  of   military   <lifcipline   he 
contemplates  the  fupreme  authority  of  Chrift  as   extending  to 
all  perfons,  elements  and  events.     His  own  orders  were  obey- 
ed,   though   his  perfon  were  at  a  diftance  and  unfeen.     What 
then  mould  retard  the  execution  of  a  will  which  all  the  powers 
of  nature  are  unable  to  refift?  '*  Speak  the  word  only,  and  my 
fervant  fhall  be  healed." 

*'  When  jefus  heard  it,  hs  marvelled,"  not  as  an  ordinary 
man  wonders  at  fomethirig  new,  ftriking  and  uncommon.  He 
knew  what  was  in  man.  The  marvellous  faith  which  lie  gra- 
-cioufly  pleafed  to  approve  and  to  reward  was  the  operation  or 
lits  own  fpirit  ;  but  he  holds  it  up  as  a  matter  of  wonder  to  all 
who  were  prefent,  and  as  a  fubjefct  of  reproof  t®  thofe  of  the 
-houfe  of  Ifrael,  who,  with  all  their  luperioj  advantages,  pofTef- 
Uhg  as  they  did,  *'  the  adoption,  and  the  glory,  and  the  cove- 
nants, and  the  giving  of  the  law,  and  the  fervice  of  God,  and 
the  promifes  ;  and  of  whom,  as  concerning  the  flefh,  Chrift 
Came  :"  neverthelefs  received  their  promifed,  their  expected 
Median  coldly,  doubtingly,  reluctantly  ;  and  at  length  utterly 
jejeded  Lim,  and  put  him  to  death.    This   leads   our  bleiTed 

H  h  Lord 


*5©  HISTORY   «F  [Left.  XXII, 

Lord  to  unfold  the  approaching  admiflion  of  the  gentile  na- 
tions into  the  church  of  God,  by  believing  and  embracing  his 
gofpel,  and  the  rejection  of  the  pofterity  of  Abraham  after  the 
ileih,  becaufeof  their  unbelief  :  4i  And  I  fay  unto  you,  that 
many  {frail  com*  from  the  eaft,  and  weft,  and  fhall  fit  down 
with  Abraham, and  Ifaac,  and  Jacoh,  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven: 
But  the  children  of  the  kingdom  fhall  be  caff  out  into  outer 
darknefs  :  there  fhall  be  weeping  and  gna'fhing  of  teeth."  Je- 
fus  delivers  thi3  all-important  doftrine  under  the  folemnity  of 
an  "  I  fay  unto  you  ;"  '*  mark  me  well  ;  my  words  a»e  true 
and  faithful,  they  are  ferious  and  interefting,  they  concern  ev- 
ery on"  among  you,  they  fhall  all  have  their  accomplifhrnent." 
The  affembly  to  whom  this  was  addreffed,  confided  of  a  great 
variety  of  perfons.  It  was  compofed  of  the  elders  of  the  Jews, 
who  had  come  to  intercede  in  behalf  of  their  benefactor,  and 
who  were  waiting  the  iffue  ;  of  the  Centurion  himfelf,  origin- 
ally a  Gentile  and  an  idolator  ;  of  the  friends  whom  he  had 
diipatched  to  meet  Jefus,  who  were  likewife,  in  all  probabili- 
ty, Roman  fordiers,and  of  courfe  heathens  and  idolators  ;  and 
of  a  mixed  multitude  who  followed  Chrift  wherever  he  went. 
The  highefl  privilege  which  profelyted  Gentiles  could  obtain 
from  Jewifh  bigotry  was  permifiion  to  worfhip  the  true  God 
in  the  outer  court  of  the  temple,  which  was  appropriated  to 
them,  and  called  by  their  name.  To  them  how  grateful  muft 
have  been  the  intimation  of  being  made  partakers  of  all  the 
privileges  of  the  fons  of  God  !  of  riling  to  their  fuil  and  equal 
rank  in  the  great  family  of  the  common- Father  of  all,  of  being 
admitted  into  the  fociety,  and  of  enjoying  the  felicity  of  the 
venerable  founders  of  the  Jewifh  church,  a  branch  only  of  "  the 
general  afTembly  and  church  of  the  firft-born,  which  are  writ- 
ten in  heaven  !"  The  like  precious  faith  which  exalted  the 
patriarchs,  Abraham,  Ifaac  and  Jacob  to  a  place  in  the  king- 
dom of  God,  was  to  be  diffufed  in  every  direction,  and  to  raife 
men  "  of  all- nations,  and  kindreds,  and  people,  and  tongues," 
to  the  '*  inheritance  of  a  kingdom  prepared,"  for  all  the  faith- 
ful, "  from  the  foundation  of  the  world."  The  Jews,  on  the 
other  hand,  valued  themfcfves  on  their  exclufive  privileges. 
They  fcorned  to  have  any  dealings  with  even  their  neighbours 
and  brethren'the  Samaritans.  They  held  themfelves  contami- 
nated by  coming  into  cont'a£l  with  the  impure  heathen  ;  they 
appropriated  to  themfelves  a  right  to  the  favour  of  God.  To 
perfons  labouring  under  fuch  prejudices,  which  had  been  in- 
filled into  them  with  their  mothers'  milk,  what  an  awful  de- 
nunciation was  it,  that  not  only  fhould  the  Gentile  nations  be 
received  within  the  pale  of  the  church,  but  received  to  their 

ov,*r? 


jL,e£h  XX1I.J  JESUS   CHRIST.  t$J 

own  exclufion  ?  "  Behold,'*  exclaims  the  apoftle,  in  contem- 
plating this  very  object,  *'  Behold  the  goodnefs  and  feverity 
.of  God." — "  Of  a  truth  we  perceive  that  God  is  no  refpe&er 
of  perfons  :  but  in  every  nation  he  that  feareth  him,  and  worfc- 
cth  righteoufnefs,  is  accepted  with  him."  But  the  lingular  im^ 
agery,  and  the  very  language  by  which  this  view  of  the  Re- 
deemer's kingdom  is  conveyed,  deferve  a  particular  confidera- 
lion.  May  they  be  deeply  imprelTed  upon  our  hearts  and 
minds. 

"  Many  mall  come,"  fays  Chrift,  as  he  furveyed  the  gradual 
progrefs,  and  the  unlimited  extent  of  his  empire.  The  narrow 
fpirit  of  Judaifm  is  not  peculiar  to  that  people.  It  feems  to  be 
a  general  character  of  human  nature.  Abraham  and  Lot  were 
under  the  neceflity  of  leparating,  becaufe  ''the  land  was  not 
able  to  bear  them,  that  they  might  dwell  together."  How  of- 
ten has  a  well  of  water  kindled  a  flame  among  brethren  ! 
Whence  come  pride  and  envy  ?  whence  come  fraud  and  cun- 
ning ?  whence  coine  wars  and  fightings  ?  whence  come  mo- 
nopolies and  exclufions,  but  from  the  felfilhnefs  of  an  individ- 
ual, or  of  a  few,  to  appropriate  to  themfelves  what  belongs  to 
many  ?  Were  the  operation  of  this  fpirit  confined  to  the  things 
of  time,  it  might  be  accounted  for.  The  defires  of  the  human 
mind  are  unbounded,  and  the  objects  of  purfuits  are  few  and 
imall.  What  another  acquires  feems  to  be  io  much  taken 
away  from  me.  Though  in  truth  there  is  provifion  fuflicient- 
ly  ample  tor  all  ;  bread  enough  and  to  fpare,  room  enough  and 
io  fpare,  were  the  real  wants  and  the  reafonable  wifhes  of  na- 
ture to  fettle  the  diftribution.  But  that  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
mould  be  fubjected  to  a  monopoly  ;  that  its  keys  mould  be 
feized  by  the  bold  hand  of  an  ufurping  individual  or  of  an  ar- 
rogant party,  would  exceed  belief,  did  not  the  hiftory  even  oi 
the  Chriftian  Church  eftablifh  the  faft.  The  difciples  of  Chrifl 
themfelves  brought  into  his  fchool  ail  the  contractednefs  of 
their  Jewiih  education,  liven  the  mild  and  affectionate  John 
was  tainted  with  it.  "  Mailer,"  laid  he,  '*  we  faw  one  calling 
out  devils  jn  thy  name  :  and^ve  forbade  him,  becaufe  he  follow- 
eth  not  with  us."  They  are  for  calling  down  fire  from  heaven 
to  confume  a  whole  village  of  Samaritans,  in  refentment  of  a 
mere  piece  of  incivility.  They  muft  have  the  higheft  places 
when  their  Mafter  mould  come  to  the  throne.  The  kingdom  muft 
pe  reflored  to  Ifrael,  whatever  might  become  ol  the  reft  of  the 
world.  This  fpirit,  though  frequently  and  feverely  reprobaU 
ed  by  their  benevolent  Mafter,  has  unhappily  been  tranfrnittod, 
and  mutual  anathemas  and  excommunications  have  been  thun- 
dered by  furious  fecfaries,  who  have  one  alter  another  aefolated 

the 


*5?  H i s to r v  0  [Left,  xx :  u 

the  earth,  to  fecure  to-thcmfelyes-  the  undivided  poHetlion   of  a 
heaven  which  they  are  incapable  of  enjoying.     If  the   Saviour- 
of  men  fays,  '*  many    (hail  come, "who  dares  to.limit  the   holy- 
One  of  L'rael,  and  to  fay,  "few  f'hall  be  faved  ?" 

'*  Many  (hall  come  from  the  eajl  and  zve/L"     The  other  two 
cardinal  points  are  fpecified  in  a  correfponding  paffage   of  the 
gofpel  according  to  St.  Luke,  chap.  xiii.  29.     The  import   of 
the  exprefllon  is  obvious.     It  denotes  the.-  attractive   influence 
of  Chridianity  over  men  of  every    region  ujpder   heaven,    and 
the  univerfai  paternal  care  and  love  ct   Him  who  "  hath  made 
of  one  blood  all  nations  of  men,  for  to  dwell  on  all  the  face  of ; 
the  earth."    The  day  of  Pentecoft  exhibited    the  firfhfruits   ot 
this  glorious  harveft.     When  the  apoftles,   M  filled    with    the 
Holy  Ghoft,  fpake  with  other  tongues  as^the  fpirit   gave   them 
utterance,"  "  there  were  dwelling  at  Jerufalem    Jews,   devout, 
men,  out  of  every   nation  under,  heaven.      Now,  when   this, 
was  noifed  abroad,  the  multitude  came  together,  and  were  con- 
founded, becaufe  that  every  man  heard  them  fpeak  in  his  own , 
language.     And  they  were  all  amazed,  and,  marvelled,   faying 
one  to  another,  behold,  are  not  all  thefe  which  fpeak  Galile- 
ans ?  and  how  hear  we  every  man  in  our  own  tongue,  where- 
in we  were  born  i*  Parthians,  and   Medes,   and   Elamites,   and 
the  dwellers  in  Mefopotamia,  and  in  J.udea,   and    Cappadocia, 
in  Pontus,  and  Alia,  Phrygia*  and  Pamphylia,   in   Egypt,    and 
in  the  parts  of  Libya  about   Gyrene,   and  ftrangers  of   Rome, 
Jews  andProfelytes"— "  and'the  fame  day  there  was  added  un- 
to them  about  three  thoufand  fouls."     Since  that   period  what 
have  been  the  triumphs  of  the  Prince  of   Peace  !    What  myri- 
ads are  now  proftrate  before  Kim  who  fitteth  upon  the  throne, 
and  before  the  Lamb,  adoring  the  wondersof  redeeming  grace, 
looking,  with  angels,  into  the  great  myftery    of  godlinefs,   it 
haply  they  "  may  be  able  to  comprehend  with  all  faints,    what 
is  the  breadth,  and  length,  and  depth,  and  height ;  and  to  know 
the  love  of  Chrift,   which  pafleth    knowledge  !"      And   what 
it II 1  more  glorious  triumphs    remain    to   be  dilplayed,   when 
"  the  futne/s  of  the  Gentiles  mall  be   come   in,   and    all    Krael 
fhall  be  faved,"  when  "  great  voices  in  heaven"  fha|l  fay  "  The 
kingdoms  of   this   world  are   become  the    kingdoms    of  our 
Lord,  and  of  his  Chrift;  and  he  fhall  reign  for  ever  and  ever  V 
The  multitudes  who  fhall  thus  flock  to  the  Saviour,  as  doves 
to  their  windows,  from  the  eaft  and  from,  the  weft,    from   the 
fouth  and  irom  the  north,  as  they  are  partakers  of   the  faith  of 
the  patriarchs,  fo.they  fhall  at  length  be  made  partakers  of  their 
.   v  :  "  they  (hall  fit  down  with  Abraham,  Ifaac  and  Jacob  in  the 
kingdom  of  God."     What  an  afTemblage  of  delicious  images  ! 
-  projects  has  the  Gofpel  opened  to  the  children  of  men  ! 

Thofe 


Lea.   XXII.l  SXo'.Z    CHRIST.  fgg 

Thofe  travellers  into  a  far  country  have  returned  to  their  Fath- 
er's houfe.  They  purfued  various  tracks,  but  all  led  home- 
ward. They  were  Grangers  to  each  other  in  a  ffrange  land, 
but  the  prevailing  family  likenefs  now  lets  them  fee  that  they 
are  brothers.  They  fometimes  fell  out  by  the  way,  but  now 
there  is  perfect  love.  They  had  heard  of  the  names  of  their 
venerabje  anceflors  and  refpeclable  kindred,  now  they  fee,  and 
know,  and  rejoice  in  them.  Their  pilgrimage  is  ended,  their 
6*  warfare  isaccomplimed." 

"They  fhall/7  down."  They  were  laid  in  the  grave,  they  fell 
afleep.  they  faw  corruption.  Now  they  are  children  of  the  refur- 
reclion  ;  refrefhedby  the  fleep  of  death,  they  have  acquired  im- 
mortal vigour,  they  have  put  on  incorruption.  Sitting  isthepoff- 
ureafTumed  for  the  enjoyment  ct  focial  intercourse,  and  that 
is  the  idea  here  conveyed.  The  family  is  affembled,  the  banquet 
is  prepared,  perfect  harmony  reigns.  When  men  return  to  the 
bofom  of  their  friends  from  tedious  and  painful  journeys,  from 
perilous  voyages,  from  dcflruftive  warfare,  affec>ion  fuggefts 
many  an  inquiry,  many  a  communication.  Alas,  how  often  do 
we  fondly  amicipatethe  communications  ot  diflant  friends  who 
are  nevcrto  return  !  But  of  the  expefciedguefls,  of  the  innume- 
rable company  invited  to  '*  the  marriage  of  the  Lamb,"  not  one 
fhall  be  miflTing,  no  bitter  recollection  (hall  intrude,  no  painCiil 
apprehenfion  fhall  arile.  And  with  what  fubjefcis  of  converfa- 
tion  are  they  eternally  (applied  !  Wirh  what  enlarged  views, 
o!  thofe  fubjefcis  do  they  difcourfe  I  The  glories  of  nature  are 
contemplated  with  nev/  eyes,  and  excite  emotions  before  tin- 
felt.  The  myflery  or  Providence,  once  fo  intricate  and  in- 
fcnitable,  is  unravelled  ;  the  mighty  plan,  the  minute  parts, 
the  univerfal  and  the  individual  intercft  are  found  in  perfeel 
imifon.  The  wonders  of  redeeming  lore,  intermingling  with 
the  glo  ies  of  creation  and  the  myftery  of  Providence,  commu- 
nicating to  them  all  their  beauty,  all  their  importance.  What 
a  theme  for  the  whole  cemp-my  of  the  redermed,  for  inter- 
change of  perfonal  experience,  for  mutual  congratulation  and 
delight  !  What  exalted  employment,  what  inexrauftible  fource 
of  joy  for  the  endlefs  days  of  eternity  ! 

"  They  fhall  fit  down  with  Abraham,  and  Ifaac,  and  Jacoh** 
There  is  a  natural  defire  in  man  to  be  in  the  company  of  fhe 
eminently  great,  and  wife,  and  good.  But  this  deiire  is  tern, 
pered'by  a  confeioufnefs  of  our  own  inferiority.  We  fhnnk 
from  the  penetrating  eye  of  wifdorn,  we  feel  "  how  awful 
goodnefs  is,"  we  blulh  inwardly  at  the  thought  of  our  own  lit- 
tlenefs.  But  thofe  in- gathered  outcaffs  from  the  eail  and  weft 
feci  no  uneafv  apprehenGons  on  being  introduced    to   fjciety 

io 


4^|  HISTOB.Y  OF  ftea.  XX-H, 

lb  dignified,  for  "  there  is  no  fear  in  love.'*  They  indeed  feel 
their  inferiority;,  but  it  excites  no  mortification.  They  are  in 
their  proper  place,  and  they  have  their  proper  meafure  of  glo- 
ry. While  time  was  they  pronounced  thofe  veneiable  names 
with  awe,  they  accounted  thofe  perfons  happy  who  could 
claim  kindred  to  men  fo  highly  diftinguifhed,  admiflion  to  the 
court  ot  the  Gentiles  terminated  their  ambition,  birth  had  ex- 
cluded them  forever  from  the  commonwealth  of  Ifraei.  Now 
they  find  that  they  are  the  real  pofterity  of  Abraham,  "  born, 
not  of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  ihe  flefh»  nor  of  the  will  of  man, 
but  oi  God."  II  any  nun  hath  not  the  fpirit  of  Abraham,  he  is 
none  of  his.  By  the  fpirit  they  are  related  to  the  father  of  the 
faithful,  and  he  joyfully  acknowledges  them  as  his  children, 
and  heirs  with  him  of  the  promifes. 

"  They  (hall  fit  down  with  Abraham,  and  Jfaac,  and  Jacob, 
in  ihe  kingdom  of  heaven*9  Tbis  implies  a  participation' of  ail 
ihe  privileges  of  faints  on  earth,  communion  and  fellowfhip 
with  one  another,  as  members  together  of  that  body  whereof 
Chrifl  is  the  head,  and  joint  "  fellowfhip  with  the  Father,  and 
with  the  ion  Jefus  Chrifl."  Such  is  the  kingdom  of  God  ia 
this  world,  and  fuch  the  preparation  for  the  inheritance  of 
faints  in  light,  for  the  kingdom  which  cannot  be  moved.  Let 
us  not  prefumeto'*  darken  counfel  by  words  without  knowl. 
edge."  Let  us  not  prefume  to  draw  afide  the  veil  which  fepT 
?  rates  a  material  world  from  the  world  of  fpirits,  which  inter- 
pofes  between  time  and  eternity.  Scripture  itfelf ,  after  ex hau fl- 
ing every  image,  every  idea  of  negative  and  of  pofitive  glory 
and  felicity,  as  defcriptive  of  "  the  kingdom  ot  heaven,"  refers 
us  to  a  future  revelation  of  that  glory.  Paul,  "  caught  up  to 
the  third  heaven,,  caught  up  into  paradife,"  admitted  to  the  in- 
tercourfe  of  celeff  ial  beings,  and  fent  back  to  earth,  finds  him- 
felf  incapable  of  defcribing  the  heavenly  vifion.  The  words 
which  he  heard,  were  unfpeakable,  which  it  is  not  lawful,  which 
it  is  not  poffible,  for  a  man  to  utter.  In  this  bleffed,  undefin- 
ed, undefcribed  ftate  we  leave  it :  "  It  is  written,  eye  hath  not 
leen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  have  entered  into  the  heart  of 
man,  the  things  which  God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  loye 
him." 

The  contrail  is  dreadful  :  "  But  the  children  pf  the  king- 
dom /hall  be  cad  out  in  outer  darknefs  there  mall  be 
weeping  and  gnafhing  of  teeth."  By  "the  children  of  the 
kingdom,"  cur  Lord  undoubtedly  means  to  denote  the 
pofterity  of  Abraham  after  the  fleih,  the  original  heirs  of  the 
promifes,  the  depofitaries  of  the  covenants,  who,  with  aH 
die  advantages  of  birtb?  of  education,  of  a  revelation  which 

they 


lea/ XXII.}  JESUS  CHRIST,  f^J 

they  acknowledged  to  be  divine,  and  of  which  they  made  their* 
Soaft,  obftinatcly  rejected  the  promifed  Mefliah,  to  whom  alF 
J'heir  prophets  give  witnefs  ;  who,  valuing  themfelves  upon, 
and  vainly  reding  in,  a  mere  natural  defcent  from  illuftrious 
anceftorV,  withoat  inheriting  a  particle  ot  their  fpirit,  wilfully 
excluded  themfelves  Irom  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Their 
means  of  knowledge,  their  peculiar  privileges  were  a  horrid1 
aggravation  of  their  guilt,  and  a  full  juftifioation  ot  their  tre- 
mendous punifhment.  The  blefl'ednefs  ot*  the  righteous,  in. 
the  heavenly  World,  is,  in  the  preceding  verie,  reprefented  un- 
der the  well-known  and  familiar  image  of  the  banquet,  or  mar- 
riage feaft,  and  various  p^tTages  of  the  gofpel  hiltory  throw 
light  upon  the  allufion,  particularly  the  parable  of  the  ten  vir- 
gins Thofe  foremnities  were  ufually  celebrated  in  the  night 
feafon.  The  apartments  deftined  to  the  entertainment  of  the 
guefts  were  fuperMy  illuminated.  The  bridegroom  and  his 
Train  came  to  the  banqueting  houfe  in  magnificent  procefhon, 
by  lamp  or  torch  light.  The  invited  guefts  were  admitted 
through  tru-  wicket,  to  prevent  promifcuous  int'rufion.  As 
foon  as  the  nuptial  band  had  entered  the  doors  were  (hut.  The 
carelefs  ancf  tile  tardy  Were  ot  courfe  excluded,  ajid  no  after 
expostulation  or  entreaty  could  procure  admittance  ;  they 
were  left  in  outer  darknefs,  rendered  more  hideous  by  com- 
panfon  with  the  fplendor  which  reigned  within  ;  left,  in  the 
the  cold  and  damps  ot  the  night,  to  their  own  bitter  reflections, 
dreadfully  aggtavated  by  the  idea  ot  a  felicity  to  them  for  ever 
inacceflible.  By  a  reprefentation  fo  powerfully  imprefTive,  fo 
eafily  undcrftood,  fo  awfully  alarming,  were  the  elders  of  the 
Jews  admomfhed' of  the  guilt,  danger  and  rnifery  of  re>e£Hng 
the  counfel  of  God  againft  themfelves,  of  refuting  the  teftimo- 
ny  which  God  had  given  to  his  Son  Chrift  Jefus, 

After  this  very  folemn  digreflion,  Jefus  returns  to  the  fub- 
ject  which  had  given  rife  to  it,  the  iervant's  malady,  and  the 
matter's  marvellous  faith.  He  beftows  a  prefent  reward  on' 
the  one,  by  inftantly  relieving  the  other.  M  And  Jefus  faid  un- 
to the  centurion,  go  thy  way  ;  and  as  thou  haft  believed,  fo  be' 
h  done  unto  thee.  And  his  fervant  was  healed  in  the  felf-fama 
hour."  Here  the  Saviour  condefcends  to  be  dictated  to.  He 
yields  to  the  prayer  ot  a  faith  fo  very  extraordinary,  he  pro- 
ceeds no  father  on  his  way  to  the  centurion's  houfe.  The  pe- 
tition runs,  4i  fpeak  the  word  only,  and  my  fervant  fhall  be 
healed  ; "  he  (peaks  the  word,  he  wills  the  cure,  and  virtue  goss 
out  of  him  to  perform  it. 

Neither  of  the  Evangelists  purfue  the  biftory  of  the  centuri- 
on farther.     But  we  have  ever/  thing  to  hope,  every  thing"  to 

believe 


J56  UistttitY  b*  ptett/i'k'h'* 

believe  of  a  man  who  fo  eminently  diftinguifhed  himfelf  as  an 
excellent  foldier,  a  kind  mailer,  a  moderate  rul-r,  a  pious  wor- 
fhipper  of  God,  and  an   humble   but  firm  believer   in   Jefus 
Chrift.     In  his  hifiory  the  Chriftian  world  has  to   boaft  ot   a* 
nother  oi'  the  triumphs  ot  the  Captain  of  falvation,  ot   another 
fuccefsful  invafion  of  Satan's  kingdom,  of  another   difplay   oi" 
divine  perfection  in  the  perfon  of  Jefus  Chrift.     It  is   not  un- 
worthy  oi  remark  that  various  perfons  of  the  fame   rank   and 
proteffion,  that  of  centurion,  ftand  with  high  marks   ot   appro- 
bation on  the  facred  page.     Next  to  this  molt  refpeclable  char- 
after,  we  find  another  employed   en   a   very   trying  occafion. 
He,  with  the  company  under  his  command,  was  appointed    to 
fee  the  fentence  ot  crucifixion  executed,    ior  foldiers  are  put 
upon  many  a  painful  fervice,  and  he  was  not  an  unconcerned 
fpeclator  ot  that  awful   fcene.      "  Now  when   the   centurion, 
and  they  that  were  with  him  watching  Jefus,  faw  theeaithquake 
and  thofe  things  that  were  done,   they    feared  greatly,    faying, 
truly  this  was  the  Son  of  God."     The  name  ot   Cornelius    of 
Ccfarea,  the  centurion  ot  the  Italian  band,  is  renowned    in   all 
the  churches  of  Chrift,  as  "a  devout  man,  and  one  that  feared 
God  with  all  his  houfe,  which  gave  much  alms  to  the  people, 
and  prayed  to  God   alway."      He   is    farther  honourably  re- 
ported of  by  thofe  of  his  own  houfehold,  as  "  a  jull   man,   and 
of  good  report  among  all  the  nation  of  the  jews."      The   cen- 
turion who  had  charge  of  Paul  and  the  other  prifoners,  on    the 
Uifaftrous  voyage  which  terminated  in  jfhipwreck  on   the  ifland 
of  Melita,  paid  lingular  attention  to  the  Apoftle,  followed  his 
advice,  and  fpared  the  reft  of  the  prifoners  that  he   might  pre- 
ferve  Paul's  life.     And  upon  their  arrival  at  Rome,   when  this 
generous  officer  delivered  over  the   reft   of  his   charge  to   the 
captain  of  the  guard,  he  had  fufrkient  credit  and  ability  to  ex- 
prefs  his  friendship  for  our  apoftle,  by   procuring   for  him  a 
greater  enlargement  of  liberty  :  :,<  Paul  was   fuffered  to  dwell 
by  himfelf  with  a  foldier  that  kept  him." 
From  this  interefting  (lory  let  us  learn, 

l.  To  defpife  no  man's  perfon,  feelings,  opinions,  profel- 
fion  or  country.  His  perfon  is  what  God  made  it,  and  he 
makes  nothing  that  is  in  itfeif  contemptible.  You  are  bound  in 
equity  to  refpeft  the  feelings  ot  another,  for  you  wifh  that  your 
own  fhould  not  be  handled  rudely.  It  ill  becomes  one  who 
has  himfelt  formed  fo  many  erroneous  opinions,  and  veered  a- 
bout  fo  frequently  with  the  flitting  gale,  to  prefcribe  a  ftand- 
ard  ot  opinion  to  other  men.  Unlets  a  protefSon  be  radically, 
and  in  its  own  nature  finful,  thofe  who  follow  it  ought  not  to 

be 


'Left.  *K*A»J  JESUS  CHRIST.  *57 

be  condemned  in  the  lamp  :  if  it  expofe  to  peculiar  tempta- 
tions to  aft  amifs,  he  who  refills  the  temptation  and  overcomes 
himfelf  is  the  more  eftiwiable.  Over  the  place  of  his  birth  a 
Inan  had  no  more  power  than  over  the  height  of  his  ftaiure, 
or  the  colour  of  his  fkin.  It  is  an  objeft  of  neither  praife  nor 
blame.  The  apoftle  Peter  received  a  fevere  and  juft  rebuke  on 
this  head,  by  a  vifion  from  heaven.  He  was  prepared,  and  he 
needed  to  be  prepared,  for  the  exercife  of  his  miniftry  at  Cefa- 
rea,  and  to  the  family  and  friends  of  the  excellent  Roman  cen- 
turion already  mentioned,  and  whom  his  Jewifli  pride  had 
taught  him  to  hold  in  contempt,  by  a  thrice  repeated  mandate 
which  he  dared  not  to  difobey  :  M  What  God  hath  cleanfed, 
that  call  not  thou  common."  Let  usconfider  it  as  addreiTed  to 
ourfelves.  "  Why  doll:  thou  judge  thy  brother  ?  or  why  doll 
thou  fet  at  nought  thy  brother  ?  for  we  (hall  all  ftand  before 
the  judgment-feat  of  Chrift." 

2.  The  fearful  doom  denounced  againii  unbelieving  Jews 
ought  to  operate  as  a  warning  to  ft i 1 1  more  highly  privileged 
Chriftians,  left  any  man  "  fall  after  the  fame  example  of  unbe- 
lief." "  For  if  the  word  fpoken  by  angels  was  fteadfaft,  and 
every  tranfgreflion  and  difobedience  received  a  juft  recom- 
pence  of  reward  ;  how  fhall  we  efcape  if  we  neglect  fo  great 
falvation  ;  which  at  the  firft  began  to  be  fpoken  by  the  Lord, 
and  was  confirmed  unto  us  by  them  that  heard  him."  We 
Sometimes  exprefs  contempt  for  the  pagan  world,  fometimes 
affe£l  to  pity  the  blinded  nations,  and  without  hefitation  pre- 
fume  to  pafs  a  fentence  of  final  condemnation  upon  them.  The 
unhappy  tribes  of  Africa,  in  particular,  Chriftian  Europe  calm- 
ly reduces  to  the  condition  of  beafts  of  burthen  in  this  world, 
with  hardly  an  effort  to  ameliorate  it  in  the  next.  And  yet 
they  aie  men,  they  polTefs  many  virtues  which  ought  to  put 
their  tyrants  to  the  biuih.  and  which  will  one  day  rife  up  in 
judgment  again  ft  them.  We  defpife  the  miferable  Jews,  and 
iiigmatize  them  as  infidels,  as  if  all  thofe  who  bear  the  name  of 
Chrift  actually  beheved  in  him.  "  Boaft  not  againft  the  brok- 
en-off  branches  ;"— thou  wilt  fay  :  The  "branches  were  broken 
oft,  that  I  might  be  grafted  in.  Well  ;  becaufe  of  unbelief, 
they  were  broken  off,  and  thou  ftandeft  by  faith.  Be  not  high- 
-minded,  but  fear  :  for  if  God  {pared  not  the  natural  branches, 
take  heed  left  he  alfo  fpare  not  thee."  I  conclude  with  the 
folemn  denunciation  of  Chrift  himfelf,  refpecling  the  men  of 
his  generation,  and  which  is  ftill  in  equal  force.  "  The  men 
of  Nineveh  fhall  rife  in  judgment  with  this  generation,  and 
&all  condemn  it  :  becaufe  they  repented  at  the  preaching  of 

I  i  Jonas : 


a^S  history©?  [Le&xxtf* 

Jonas  ;  and,  behold,  a  greater  than  Jonas  is  here.  The  queea 
of  the  fouth  fhall  rife  up  in  the  judgment  with  this  generation 
and  mall  condemn  it :  for  fhe  came  trom  the  uttermoft  parts  of 
the  earth  to  hear  the  wifdom  of  Solomon  ;  and,behold,  a  great- 
er than  Solomon  is  here." 


LECTURE 


Lc&.XKllt.]  JESUS   CHRIST. 


*£9 


LECTURE     XXIII 


JOHN    VI.  1  —  14. 

After  theft  things  Jefus  went  over  ihefea  of  Galilee,  which  is  the 

Jea  of  Tiberias.     And  a  great  multitude  followed  him,  becaufe 

they  law  his  miracles  which  he  did  on  them  that  were  difeafed.. 

And  Jefus  went  up  into  a  mountain,  and  there  he  fat  with  his 

di fa pies.     And  the  paffover,  a  Jeajl  of  the  Jews,  was  nigh. 

When  Jefus  then  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  faw  a  great  company 

come  unto  him,  he  faith    unto   Philip,    Whence  fliall  we  buy 

bread,  that  thefe  may  eat?    (and  this  he  J aid  to  prove  him-'.. 

for  he  hi  mf  elf  knew  what  he  would  do.)  Philip  an/wered  him, 

■two  hundred  pennyworth  of  bread  is  not  fuffiaent  for  them, 

that  every  one  of  them  may  take  a  little.     One  of  his  difaplcs, 

Andrew,  Simon  Peter's  brother,  faith  unto  him,  there  is  a  lad 

here,  which  hath,  five  barley  loaves,  and  two  fmall  fifties,  but 

what   are   they  among  fo  many  ?     And  Jefus  faid,  make  the 

men  fit  down.     Now  (here  was  muck  grafs  in   the  place.     So 

the  men  fat  down,  in  number  about  five  thoufand.     And  Jefus 

took  the -loaves  ;  and  when  he-,  had  given  thanks  he  diftributed 

to  the  difciples,  and  the  difciples  to  them  that  were  fet  down  ; 

and  liktwife  of  the  fifties  as  much  as  they  i^uld.     IV hen  they 

were  filled,  hef aid  unto  his  difciples,  gather  up  the  fragments: 

-that  remain,  that   nothing  be  toft.     Therefore  they  gathered 

them  together,  and  filled  tzvelve  bafkets  with  the  fragments  of 

•the  five  barley  loaves,  iihich  remained  over  and  above   unto 

them  that  had  eaten.     Then  tho'e  men,  ivhen  they  had  feen  the 

-miracle  that  Jefus  did,  faid,  This.is  cf  a  truth  that  prophet 

-that  ftiould  come  into  the  world. 

'T'HE  courfe  of  nature  is.a  {landing  miracle.  To  be  an  a- 
A  theifl:  is  to  ceafe  from  being  a  man.  To  think  of  arguing 
with  fuch  a  one  is  to  undertake  a  labour  as  fruitlefs  as  attempt- 
ing to  reafon  the  lunatic  into  a  found  mind.  A  cafe  like  this 
ought  to  excite  no  emotion  but  compaflion,  mixed  with  grati- 
tirde  toGod  that  he  has  not  rtduced  us  to  a  condition  fo  de- 
plorable. 


86©  HI  STORY   C¥  [Lea.  xx  ui., 

plorable.  Refinement  in  reafoning  is,  in  general,  both  un- 
profitable  and  inconclufive.  The  man  of  plain  common  fenfe. 
may  advantageoufly  cbferve  and  devoutly,  acknowledge  the 
wifdom  and  goodnefs  of  the  Great  Supreme  in  the  regular  eb- 
bing and  flowing  of  the  tide,  though  he  cannot  trace  the  pro- 
cefs  of  the  Sun's  aclion  on  the  waters,  of  the  ocean  ;  or  of  the 
wind,  in  conveying  the  fluid  to  the  mountain's  top  ;  or  of 
gravity,  lending  it  down  to  water  the  plains  beneath  ;  or  the 
fuppofed  influence  of  the  moon,  or  of  the  melting  ot  the  polar 
ices,  producing  an  alternate  and  regular  flux  and  reflux  on  our 
Chores,  or  in  our  rivers.  Ot  what  importance  is  the  theory  of 
vegetation,  compared  to  the  fimplebut  valuable  labour  and  ex- 
perience of  the  gardener  and  hufbandman  ?*  The  fame  obfer- 
vation  applies,  to  the  religion  ot  the  Gofpel.  Here  the  learn- 
ed have  no, advantage  whatever  over  the  illiterate.  It  confifts 
ot  a  few  plain,  unadorned  rafts,  authenticated  by  the  teftimo- 
ny  of  a  cloud  of  unfufpecled  witneffes  ;  oi  a  lew  fimple,  prac- 
tical truths,  level  to  the  moll  ordinary  capacity  ;  and  of  a  tew 
precepts  ot  felt-evident  importance,  which  it  highly  concerns, 
every  man  to  obferve.  Should  it  be  alleged  that  thefe  are 
blended  with  things  hard  to  be  underilood,  it  is  admitted.  And- 
here  again  the  wife  and  prudent  have  no  fuperiority  over,  the 
vulgar,  but  both  meet  the  God  of  grace  as  well  as  the  God  of 
nature  exercifing  his  divine  prerogative,  in  miniflring  to  the 
neceflities,  while  he  checks  the  pride  and  prefuraption  oi- 
lman. 

The  miracles  of  ouxblefled  Lord  which  have. hitherto  pail. 
ed  i»  review,  had  a  more  limited  objeft.  Their  defign  was  to 
relieve  individual,  or  domeilic  diflrefs  ;  they,  were  an  appeal, 
public  indeed,  to  the  understanding  and  fenfes  of  all  who  wit- 
neffed  them,  but  fiightly  felt,  imperfectly  underilood,  and  lit- 
tie  improved,  except  by  the  parties  more  immediately  intereft- 
ed  in  them.  They  were  granted  to  importunity,  and  as  a  re* 
ward  to  the  prayer  of  faith.  That  which  is  the  fubjeft  of  the 
paflage  now  read,  embraces  a  much,  wider  range  than  any  ot 
thefe,  and  is  the  fpontaneous  efrufion  of  his.  own  divine  benev- 
olence and  companion.  Ten  thoufand  perfons,  at  a  moderate 
calculation,  were  at  once  the  witnefles  and  the  fubjecls  ot  the 
miracle,  and  in  a  cafe  wherein  it  was  impo{Iible  they  mould 
be  miftaken,  for  they  had  every  fenfe,  every  faculty  exercifed 
in  afcertaining  the  truth.  And  here  he  waits  not,  as  in  other 
cafes,  till  the  cry  of  mifery  reaches  his  ear,  but  advances  to 
meet  it,  to  prevent  it  ;  he  outruns  expectation,  and  has  a  lup- 
ply  in  readinefs,  before  the  prefTure  of  want  is  felt. 

The  duration  of  Chrift's  public  miniftry,  from  his  baptifm 


|.,e&.   XXIII.]  JESUS    CHRIST.  *6l 

to  his  paflion,  has  been  calculated  from  the  number  ot  paffo- 
vers  which  he  frequented.  This,  as  may  be  fuppofed,  has  oc- 
cation  ed  confiderable  variety  of  opinion.  The  attentive  read- 
er  will  probably  adopt  that  of  our  illuflrious  countryman,  Sir 
Ifaac  Newton,  who  reckons  five  of  thefe  annual  feftivals  with- 
jn  the  period.  The  firft,  that  recorded  in  the  2d  chapter  ol  St. 
John's  Gofpel,  at  which  he  purged  the  temple,  predicted  his 
own  death  and  relurreclion,  and  performed  fundry  miracles. 
The  (econd,  according  to  that  great  chronologiit,  took  place  a 
few  months  alter  our  Lord's  converfation  with  tho  woman  ot 
Samaria,  which  he  founds  on  that  text,  John  iv.  35.  **  Say  not 
ye,  there  are  yet  four  months,  and  then  cotneth  harvelf.  ?  be. 
hold,  I  fay  unto  you,  lift  up  your  eyes,  and  look  on  the  fields; 
for  they  are  white  already  to  harvett."  The  third,  a  few  days 
prior  to  the  Sabbath  on  which  the  difciples  walked  out  into  the 
ields,  and  plucked  the  ears  of  corn,  when  he  cured  the  impo- 
tent man  at  the  pool  ot  Bethefda.  The  fourth;  that  which  was 
now  approaching  at  the  era  of  this  miracle  ;  and  the  filth,  that 
at  which  he  fuffered.  The  people  were  now  therefore  flock- 
ing from  all  parts  of  Galilee,  on  their  way  to  Jerufalem  to 
keep  the  paflbver  :  and  this  accounts  lor  the  very  extraordina- 
ry number  who  at  this  time  attended  his  preaching  and  mir- 
acles. 

"  After  thefe  things,"  fays  Joh:<,  The  other  three  EvangeL 
iffs  connect  this  fcene,  in  refpect:  ottime,  with  a  moft  memo- 
rable event  in  the  hiftory  A  Chriftianity»  the  decapitation  of 
John  Baptifl  in  the  T  1  un.  When  thefe  melancholy  tidings 
were  told  to  Jefus,  Matthew  informs  us,  that  "  he  departed 
thence  by  (hip  into  a  defert  place  apart  :  and  when  the  people 
had  heard  th-reof they  followed  him  en  foot  out  of  the  cuies. 
And  Jefus  went  forth,  and  faw  a  great  multitude,  and  was 
moved  with  companion  toward  them,  and  he  healed  their  fick  •*■ 
arid  .then  immediately  follows  the  miracle  ol  feeding  the  mul- 
titude, recorded  with  exactly  the  fame  chcumftances  in  all  the 
four  Evangelifts.  Mark  affixes  an  additional  date.  It  was  at 
the  tirne  when  the  difciples  returned  from  the  execution  of  their 
iirfl  commiflion,  with  an  account  of  their  fuccefs  :  ''  And  the 
apofllcs  gathered  themfelves  togetlier  un:o  Jefus,  and  told  him 
all  things,  both  what  they  had  done,  and  what  they  had  taught." 
On  this  Jefus  propof'ed  a  temporary  retirement  from  the  pub- 
lic eye,  for  the  cunveniency  of  private  converfation,  of  repofe, 
and  of  the  neceflary  refrelhment  of  the  body  :  "  And  he  laid 
unto  them,  come  ye  yourfelves  apart  into  a  defert  place,  and 
reft  a  while  :  for  there  were  many  coming  and  going,  and  they 
had  no  Icifure  fo  mmch  as  to  cat,    And   ihcy  departed   into  a 

defert 


*6a  history  of  [Left.  *%*IU 

ftefert  place  by  (hip  privately  ;"  and  this,  as  before,  prepared! 
(or  the  miracle  of  the  loaves  and  fifties.  The  felf-fame  circum- 
stances are  minutely  narrated  in  Luke's  gofpeJ.  Thefe  mark 
the  precife  epoch  when  Chrift  went  over  the  fea  of  Galilee, 
and  retired  with  the  twelve  to  a  mountain  in  the  defertot  Beth* 
iaida.  But  though  he  went  by  water,  to  efcape  for  a  feafon 
the  multitudes  which  thronged  after  him,  the  place  of  his  dec- 
lination is  difcovered,  and  thoufands,  filled  with  impatience, 
admiration,  gratitude,  hope,  outftrip  the  fpeed  of  the  veflel,  by 
a  circuitous  journey  aJong  the  fhore  of  the  lake.  Their  mo- 
tives were  various.  The  poweiful  principle  of  curiofity  at- 
tracted many,  A  thirft  of  the  word  of  life  impelled  others, 
**  A  great  multitude  followed  him,  becaufe  they  faw  the  mira- 
cles which  he  did  on  them  that  were  difeafed,"  and  many  had 
themfelves  "  need  of  healing/'  An  affecting  view  is  exhibited 
of  Chrift's  benevolent  character.  As  from  the  elevation  of  the 
mountain  he  beheld  the  people  preffmg  forward  by  thoufands 
to  the  fpot  where  he  was,  a-11  thoughts  of  food,  of  reft,  oi  sc~ 
commodation  loft  in  an  appetite  more  dignified  and  pure*  his 
bowels  melted  :  "  And  Jefus,  when  he  came  out.  faw  much 
people,  and  was  moved  with  companion  toward  them>  becaufe 
they  were  as  (beep  not  having  a  fhepherd  :  and  he  began  to 
teach  them  many  things/'  The  fight  of  a  great  affembly  of 
men,  women  and  children  muff  ever  create  a  lively  intereft  in 
every  bofom  alive  to  the  feelings  of  humanity.  The  view  of 
his  mighty  holt  melted  Xerxes  into  tears,  merely  from  reflec- 
tion on  their  natural  mortality.  What  then  are  the  "  bowels 
and  mercies"  of  the  companionate  friend  of  mankind,  on fur- 
veying  innumerable  myriads  ready  to  perifh  everlaftingly  for 
lack  of  knowledge,  dying  in  their  fins  !  He  feels  even  for  their 
bodily  wants,  which,  in  the  ardor  of  their  fpirits,  they  feem  to 
have  themfelves  forgotten,  and  a  fupply  is  provided  before  the 
cravings  of  nature  have  found  out  that  it  was  neceffary.  And 
thus  a  gracious  Providence,  in  things  both  temporal  and  fpirit- 
ual,  outruns  not  only  the  fupplications  of  the  miferable,  but 
their  very  hopes  and  deftres. 

:  The  day  began  to  wear  away,"  they  were  in  adefert  place, 
the  multitude  was  prodigioufly  increafed,  they  had  failed  long, 
no  provifion  of  either  victuals  or  lodging  had  been  made,  and 
th^  adjacent  villages  promifed  but  a  (lender  accommodation  of 
either,  even  had  there  been  money  to  purchafe  them.  A  cafe 
of  truly  aggravated  diftrefs  !  The  forethought  and  fympathy  of 
the  difciples  went  no  farther  than  to  fuggeft  the  propriety  of 
an  immediate  difmiffion  of  the  affembly,  while  fufficient  light 
remained  to  procure  what  was  needful  tor  •xhaufted  nature. 

"  When 


left.  XXlII.J  JE3US   CHRISTi  163 

"  When  the  day  began  to  wear  away  then  came  the  twelve, 
and  faid  unto  him,  fend  the  multitude  away,  that  they  mny  go 
into  the  towns  and  country  round  about,  and  lodge,  and  get 
victuals  :  for  we  are  here  in  a  defert  place."  But  their  gra- 
cious Matter  looked  much  farther,  and  felt  more  tenderly.  He 
addreffes  himfelt  particularly  to  Philip,  who  was  of  the  city 
of  Bethfaida,  and  might  be  fuppofed  to  know  the  ftate  of  the 
country,  and  how  much  it  could  produce  in  an  emergency  of 
this  kind,  on  the  fuppofition  that  their  (lock  of  money  wa«  e- 
qual  to  the  demand  :  M  he  faith  unto  Philip,  Whence  mall  we 
buy  bread  that  thefe  may  eat  ?"  Why  the  appeal  was  perfon* 
ally  made  to  Philip,  may  be  accounted  for  from  fome  pecul- 
iarity in  that  difciple's  chara6fer.  He  appears  to  have  been 
one  of  thofe  who  flowly,  fufpicioufly,  reluctantly  admitted  the 
evidence  of  their  Matter's  divine  miffton  ;  for  we  find  him* 
long  after  this,  difcovering  a  diffident,  fcrupulous,  incredulous 
difpofition  ;  and  his  kind  Matter  adminifterin^  a  juft  and  fea- 
fonable  rebuke  :  "  Philip  faith  unto  him,  Lord,  fhew  us  the 
Father,  and  it  fufHceth  us.  Jefus  faith  unto  him,  Have  I  been 
fo  long  time  with  you,  and  yet  hatt  thou  not  known  me.  Phil* 
ip  ?  he  that  hath  feen  me  hath  feen  the  Father  ;  and  how  fay- 
eft  thou,  then,  fhew  us  the  Father  ?"  Thus  was  it  needful  that 
the  witneffes  of  the  truth  to  others  fhould  have  their  own? 
doubts  completely  removed.  And  thus,  He,  who  knew  what 
was  in  man,  will  bring  out  of  the  man  himfelf  what  is  in  him ; 
not  with  the  infidious  defign  of  deceiving  and  expofing  him, 
as  men  often  a£f  by  each  other,  but  of  making  him  feel  his  own 
weight  ;  of  enabling  him  to  form  a  juft  eftimate  of  his  wifdom 
and  ftrength  ;  of  affording  him  a  frefh  and  irrefiftible  proof  or 
his  Matter's  fupreme  power,  and  divine  intelligence,  "  This 
he  faid  to  prove  him  :  tor  he  knew  what  he  would  do." 

We  have  here  a  mod  fublime  reprefentation  of  the  Redeem- 
er's foreknowledge  of  the  natural  realonings  of  the  human 
mind,  and  of  the  exiftence  and  effeel  of  fecond  caufes.  That  a 
thoufand  perfons  of  as  many  different  inclinations,  purfuing  as 
many  different  interefts,  with  as  many  different  capacities, 
fhould  be  brought  to  one  point,  fhould  co-operate  in  promot- 
ing the  fame  purpofe,  fhould,  unknown  to  each  other,  invol- 
untarily enter  into  exaftly  one  and  the  fame  purfuit,  is  not  to 
be  explained  on  the  common  principles  of  human  fagacity, 
and  can  proceed  only  "  from  the  Lord  of  hofts,  who  is  won- 
derful in  counfel  and  excellent  in  working."  Pnilip  immedi- 
ately has  recourfe  to  arithmetical  calculation  ;  he  eftimates 
the  multitude  at  fo  many,  he  examines  into  the  ttate  of  their 
iinances,  and  finds  them  deplorably  deficient  :    "  two  hundred 

penny-worth 


£^4  HISTORY  or  fLefik  XXtltt 

penny-worth  of  bread  is  notfufficient  for  them,  that  every  ong 
of  them  may  take  a  little."  No,  the  difficulty  was  not  to  be 
thus  refolved.  Neither  was  the  matter  much  mended  to  hu-* 
man  apprehenfion,  when  Andrew,  Simon's  brother,  brought 
information  that  there  was  a  lad  preient  who  had  five  barley- 
loaves  and  two  fmall  fifties  to  dilpofe  of.  He  himfelf  fets  no 
great  (lore  by  his  intelligence  ;  a  fingle  loaf  to  a  thoufand 
men  appeared  to  him  a  mere  nothing,  an  aggravation  rather 
than  an  alleviation  otthe  diftrefs  :  "  but  what,"  fays  he  defpond- 
ingly,"  are  they  among  fo  many  ?"  The  cafe  is  thus  brought 
to  an  extreme  point.  Five  thoufand  men,  befide  a  multitude 
of  women  and  children,  probably  to  an  equal,  if  not  a  greater 
number,  feel  the  preflure  of  hunger,  and  of  no  one  of  our 
natural  appetites  are  we  more  acutely  lenfible  than  of  this  ; 
every  one  of  this  myriad,  therefore,  down  to  the  youngeft  child, 
was  a  difiintt  and  a  competent  witnefs  upon  the  occafion,  of 
the  individual  and  of  the  general  calamity,  and  of  the  total 
want  of  an  adequate  fupply.  Providence  thus  frequently  per- 
mits  things  to  come  to  the  very  verge  of  wo,  that  man  may  feel 
his  own  weaknefsand  infufficiency,  feel  his  entire  dependance, 
and  learn  to  acknowledge  and  to  adore  the  feafonable  interpo- 
fltion  of  heaven  ;  that  God  may  be  feen  as  f  our  refuge  and 
our  ftrength,  a  very  prefent  help  in  trouble." 

As  if  every  preparation  of  human  fagachy  had  been  made, 
Jefus,  with  dignified  compofure,  commands,  laying,  fl  Make 
the  men  fit  down."  The  attention  and  fympathy  of  Chrift 
are  obfervable  in  minute  circumftances.  His  gueils  had  pafT- 
ed  a  day  of  uncommon  fatigue;  they  were  now  overtaken 
with  two  great  infirmities,  want  of  food  and  want  of  reft.  A 
ftanding  meal,  weary  as  they  were,  would  have  been  an  un- 
fpeakable  benefit  ;  or  to  have  ftretched  out  their  exhaufted 
limbs  torepofe,  even  with  a  {lender  provifion,  for  V  the  ffeep 
of  a  labouring  man  is  fweet,  whether  he  eat  little  or  much." 
He  who  careth  for  oxen,  who  feedeth  the  raven,  who  fuftain- 
eth  the  fparrow  on  the  wing,  *«  fhall  he  not  much  more"  hear 
the  cry  of  human  wretchednefs  ?  Both  the  precious  gifts  of 
bread  and  reft  are  beftowed  at  once,  and  both  unhoped  for,  both 
unafked.  "  Make  the  men  fit  down  :"  and  it  is  remarked, 
"  Now  there  was  much  grafs  in  the  place."  What  a  delicioUs 
aifemblage  of  natural  and  interefting  beauties  !  It  was  the  ftill 
evening  ot  a  day  in  fpring;  the  fragrant  fertile  earth  had  fpread 
an  ample  carpet,  at  once  delightful  to  behold,  pleafant  to  the 
fmeli,  and  fattened  to  the  preflure  of  the  faint,  Twenty  thou- 
fand eyes  are  turned  in  filent  expeftation  to  their  common 
friend  and  benefaclor.    The  very  order  of  tbeir  arrangement 

embellishes 


Le£h  x'xn:.]  jesus  christ,  265 

embellifhes  the  fcene,  and  the  fubdivifions  and  itraight  lines  of 
art  fet  off  the  majeftic  irregularity  of  nature  :  a  hundred  rows 
of  fifty  men  each.  What,  compared  to  this,  was  the  royal 
"  feafl  which  the  king  Ahafuerus  made  unto  all  his  princes, 
"and  his  fcrvants  ;  the  power  of  Perfia  and  Media,  the  nobles 
and  princes  of  the  provinces!"  What,  compared  to  this, 
was  the  great,  but  impious  tea  ft,  which  "  BeKhazzar  the  king 
made  to  athoufandof  his  lords  !"  Thefe  noily  and  profane 
revels  were  quickly  difturbed,  and  iffued  in  forrow.  What  a 
different  fpeclacle  did  the  mountain  in  the  defert  of  Bethfaida 
prefent  !  All  is  calmnefs  and  harmony,  all  is  peace  and  joy. 
The  great  Matter  of  the  feafl  furveys  his  vaft  family  with  com- 
placency and  delight !  they  behold  in  him  their  condescend- 
ing teacher,  their  merciful  phyfician,  their  liberal  provider, 
iheir  almighty  Lord,  in  whom  all  fulnefs  was  pleafed  to  dwell. 

"And  Jefus  took  the  loaves."  He  miraculoufly  fupported 
Iris  own  body  for  forty  days  in  the  wildernefs,  without  eating 
or  drinking  ;  and  the  fame  divine  power  could  undoubtedly 
have  refrefhed  and  iuftained  this  great  multitude,  for  a  night, 
without  bread,  as  eafily  as  by  a  fupernatural  multiplication  of 
it.  But  this  would  have  been  lefs  fenfibleand  convincing;  and 
natural  vigor  of  conititution  might  have  been  fuppofed  equal 
to  the  load.  In  the  method  of  relief  which  our  Lord  was 
pleafed  to  employ,  every  man  had  the  witnefs  within  himfelf, 
and  could  bear  a  clear  teftimony  concerning  all  around  him, 
that  not  the  powers  of  nature,  but  the  God  of  grace  had  min- 
iflered  to  their  common  neceflities.  M  And,  when  he  had  giv- 
en thanks  ;"  Two  different  words  are  employed  by  the  Evan- 
gelifts  to  defcribe  this  action  of  our  Saviour.  The  firft  three 
fay,  "  he  bletTed"  the  loaves,  pronounced  upon  them  a  folemn 
and  powerful  benediction,  in  virtue  of  which  they  became  pro- 
lific, and  multiplied  far  beyond  the  extent  of  the  demand.  Our 
Evangelift  reprefents  him  as  "  giving  thanks,"  afcribing  to 
God  his  heavenly  Father  the  glory  of  every  gift  of  an  indul- 
gent Providence,  whether  bellowed  in  the  order  of  natural  in- 
creafe.  or  produced  by  an  extraordinary  interpolation.  The 
form  of  words,  employed  by  Chriit  on  this  occafion,  mofl 
probably  blended  both  ideas,  as  indeed  they  cannot  be  eafily 
Separated.  To  give  thanks  for  what  God  has  given  is  a  devout 
acknowledgment  of  dependance  upon  him,  a  tacit  exprefTion 
of  hope  in  his  goodnefs  for  the  time  to  come,  and  the  mofl: 
likely  means  of  increaling  our  (lore.  He  a6ted  as  the  great 
pattern  of  his  difciples,  teaching  them  in  difficulty  to  look  up 
to  heaven  for  direction  and  affi (lance,  to  improve  the   blcflings 

providence  by  referring  them  to  their  great  Author,  and  to 
*l  ^  K  k  call 


*gf  H I S  TO  R  Y  OF  JJLcft.  XX  It  I U 

cafl  every  Future  care  on  him  who  hath  helped  hitherto.  Man 
cannot  pronounce  a  benediction  capable  of  communicating  ef- 
ficacious virtue,  but.  what  is  equivalent  to  it,  he  can  "  in  every 
thing,  by  prayer  and  fupplication  with  thankfgiving,  let  his 
requefts  be  made  known  unto  God  ;"  and  time  employed  in 
devotion  is  not'lofs,  but  unfpeafeably  great  gain. 

"  Hediftributed'to  the  difciples  and  the  difci pies  to  them  that 
Were  fet  down  :  and  hkewife  of  the  fifties  as  much  as  they 
would."  The  fare  was  ordinary,  bailey  bread  and  dried  fi(h0 
•'The  full  foul  lotheth  an  honey-comb;  but  to  the  hungry 
every  bitter  thing  is  fweet."  Mark,  the^quality  op  the  food  is 
not  changed,  the  quantity  only  is  increafed,  rOr  the  obje£l  oi 
the  miracle  was  not  to  pamper  luxury',  but  to  fatisfy  hunger. 
The  difciples  had  nothing  to  give  but  what  they  ffrft  received. 
And  what  mufl  have  been  their  aftonifhment,  their  fatisfaaione 
as  they  walked  from  rank  to  rank,  to  behold  the  food  not  di- 
minifh,  but  multiply  to  the  mouth  of  the  eaer  !'  No  murmur- 
ing could  arife  on  account  of  a  partial  diftribution,  for  all  had 
enough  and  to  fpare.  No  doubt  could  arife  refpecling  the 
fountain  of  fuppl)%  for  every  ear  heard  the  gracious  words 
which  proceeded  out  of  his  mouth  ;  every  eye  beheld  his  face 
lifted  up  to  heaven,  and  his  hands  extended  to  diffufe  plenty.^ 
The  body  and  the  mind  were  refrefhed  together,  with  foocT 
convenient  for  them.  Thus  feafonable,  thus  fuitable,  thus  fat- 
isfy ing  are  the  good  and  per  feci:  gifts  which  come  down  imme- 
diately from  the  Father  of  lights.  The  felf-fame  miracle,  my 
friends,  is  repeated  day  by  day,  through  a  different  procefs,  and 
we  obferve  it  not,  we  feel  it  not.  An  unfeen  hand  "  caufeth 
the  grafs  to  grow  for  the'  cattle,  and  herb  for  the  fervice  ot 
man  :"  it  M  bringeth  foith  food  out  of  the  earth  ;  and  wine 
that  maketh  glad  the  heart  of  man,  and  oil  to  make  his  face  to 
Jrrine,  and  bread  which  ftfengtheneth  man's  heart."  "  O  that 
•man  would  pTaife  the  Lord  for  his  goodnefs,and  for  his  won- 
derful works  to  the  children  of  men  !s,\ 

"  When  they  were  filled,  he  faid  unto  his  difciples,  gather 
up  the  fragments  that  remain,  that  nothing  be  loft."  There 
is  a  criminal  forethought  about  to-morrow  which  the  Gofpel 
condemns,  becaufe  it  implies  diftruft  of  the  care,  wifdom  and 
goodne-fs  of  Providence,  and  becaufe  it  mars  the  enjoyment, 
and  encroaches  upon  the  duties  of  to-day.  But  there  is  like- 
wife  a  prudent  and  pious  forethought,  which  both  reafOn  and 
religion  highly  approve  and  powerfully  recommend,  becaufe 
it" is  the  co-operation  of  human  fagacity  with  the  benignity  of 
Providence  ;  and  the  happieft  and  mod  honourable  condition 
oi'man  is  exertion,  as  it  no  fupernatural  aid  were  to  be  ex- 

pecled, 


%t£i.    XXIII.]  JESUS    CHRIST.  fc$y 

peeled,  and  reliance  on  God,  as  it  human  efforts  amounted   to 
nothing.     "  Gather  up  the  fragments  ;"  was  the  command   6k 
'him  who  had  the  power  of"  multiplying  without  end,   but  who 
would  lay  him' felt"  under  no  obligation  to  exert  a   miraculous 
.energy  to  repair  the  profufion,   or  fupply   the   negligence  or. 
thoughtlefs  man.     What  occafions  the  prefent  dearth  or   every 
ueceffary  of  life  ?  Not  the  unkindneis  of  heaven,  for  the  earth 
has  yielded  her  increafe,  and  our  garners  are    iu]!t;    but   cruel 
©ppreflion  on  the  one  hand,  and  abominable  wafteon  the  other. 
The  precious  fruits  of  the  ground  ?.rc,   contrary   to  nature, 
hoarded  up  in  expectation  of  glutting  avarice  with  a  higher  re- 
•turn,    till  they  corrupt;  or  they  are  vilely   caft  away   by   the 
-minions  of  opulence  and  -grandeur,   vvho   care  not   what  they 
(kiti-oV;  becaiile  the  mailer's  fortune  is  able  to  fupport  the  ex- 
penditure.    It  is  one,  and  not  the  leait  tff  the  evils  of  war,  that 
of  the  provifion  necefTary  to  the  maintenance  ot  fleets  and    ar- 
mies, one  half  at  leait  goes  to  lols,  through  difhonefty.  careleffc 
nefs,  and  wilful  prodigality.     This   profufion   is   often   found 
in  company  with  a  hard  and  flony  heart.     It  appears   to    have 
conflicted  great  part  of  the  criminality  of  the  rich  man  in  the 
Gofpel.     He  V  was  clothed  in  purple  and  fine  linen,  and  fared 
-jfumptuoufly  every  day."     But  this  was  not  initfelf  finful,  nor 
;is  it  charged  upon  him  as  guilt.     The   ofFal   ot  his   table   war 
.not  wifely  ufed.  While  deteftable  luxury  reigned  within  doors, 
the  cry  of  mifery  at  the  gate    was   disregarded.      The   beggar 
.Lazarus    defired,  but   defired  in    vain,    •'  to   be  fed  with   the 
crumbs  which  fell  from  the  rich  man's  table."     It  is   in  every 
man's  power  to  reduce  the  price  of  provifions.     Let  him   pur- 
chafe  no  more  than  what  is  needful,  and  let  him   be   careful  to 
look  after  the  fragments  whic.h  remain.     The  opulent  man   is 
refponfible  for  the  inhumanity,  the  extravagance,  the  criminal 
negle£l  of  his  domeitics,  and  to  no  purpofe  does  he  exclaim  a- 
gainft  the  rapacity  of    combinations  to   engrofs   and   enhance, 
"vhile  he  is  foftering  the  mifchiet  by  the  wretched  economy  of 
his  own  houfehold.     "  Let  nothing  be   loft"  is   the   economy 
of  nature,  the  maxim  ot.true  wildom,(and.  a  precept  of  Chrif- 
tianity. 

44  Therefore  they, gathered  them  together,  and    filled    twelve 
;bafkets  with  the  fragments  of  the  five  barley  loaves,  which  re- 
mained over  and  above  unto  them  that  had   eaten.      Thus    the 
miracle  was  complete  :  ample  provifion  was  made  for  the  mo- 
ment, and  a  lefTon  of  prudence  given  for  all  generations.     The 
bodies  of  thoufands  were  refrelhed  by  homely   but   wholefome 
food,  and  the  facred  imprefs  ox  divine   truth  was  applied   to 
**he  human  heart.    Thus  tranfitory  things  ar*  rendered  perma- 
nent 


«68  HISTORY    os  [Le#.   XXIII, 

nent,  and  provifion  made  for  fupportmg.the  body  is  converted, 
into  food  ior  the  immortal  foul. 

The  convi£Hon  produced  was  perfectly  natural,  and  it  ope- 
rated uniformly  on  the  minds  of  the  whole  aflembly  :  "  Then 
thofe  men,  when  they  had  feen  the  miracle  that  Jefus  did,  faid, 
this  is  of  a  truth  that  Prophet  that  mould  come  into  the  world.'* 
There  was  therefore,  it  is  evident,  a  generally  prevailing  ex- 
petlation  of  the  appearance  of  the  augult  perfonage  whom  the 
prophets  had  announced  ;  and  what  proof  of  a  divine  million 
more  illuitrious  could  be  difplayed,  than,  that  which  had  juft. 
reached  the  underloading  through  all  the  avenues  of  fenfe  ? 
But  it  is  truly  humbling  to  obferve  the  perpetual  intrufion  of  a 
worldly  (pint,  That  prophet  whom  all  ranks  looked  unto 
and  waited  for,  all  ranks  thought  proper  to  invert  with  tempo- 
ral power  and  fplendor.  The  idea  of  railing  him  to  kingly 
fupremacy  is  immediately  entertained.  What  quality  could  a 
prince  pofTefs  that  led  more  certainly  to  fuccels  than  that  of 
fubfifting  his  armies,  without  the  expenfe  and  incumbrance  of 
magazines?  Under  this  impulie  the  multitude  are  difpofed 
inflantly  to  rear  his  ftandard,  and  to  enlifl  in  his  fervice.  And. 
when  a  man  faithfully  examines  himfelf,  he  will  find  that  the 
world,  in  (ome  form  or  another,  is  lurking  in  his  heart.  He 
will  find  time,  and  fenfe,  and  felf  blending  with  his  pureft, 
mod  generous,  moft  exalted  views,  and  direcling  his  mofl 
ieemingly  difmterefled  exertions,  jefus  demonstrates  that  he 
is  much  more  than  a  king,  by  withdrawing  from  popular  ap- 
plaufe  and  proffered  royalty.  "When  he  perceived  that  they 
would  come  and  take  him  by  force,  to  make  him  a  king,  he 
departed  again  into  a  mountain  himfelf  alone."  He  meets  and 
relieves  their  real  neceflities,  but  retires  from  their  projefts  of: 
power  and  ambition.  To  the  demand  of  Pilate,  "  Art  thou 
the  king  of  the  Jews  ?"  this  was  his  modeft  reply:  "My 
kingdom  is  not  of  this  world.  If  my  kingdom  were  of  this 
world,  then  would  my  fervants  fight,  that  I  mould  not  be  de- 
livered to  the  Jews  :  but  now  is  my  kingdom  not  from 
hence." 

We  conclude  with  a,  few  practical  reflections. 

l.  The  law  of  man's  nature  is  a  ftated  religious  monitor  to 
him.  Every  day  he  hungers,  he  thirfts,  he  waxes  faint,  he 
muft  lie  down  and  go  to  fleep.  He  is  as  often  admonifhed  of 
his  frailty,  of  his  dependance,  of  his  obligations.  Let  the  ani- 
mal fun6tions  be  ever  fo  little  deranged  or  fufpended,  and  the 
whole  man,  fpiritas  well  as  body,  pines  and  languishes.  An 
eye  which  never  {lumbers  nor  lleeps  watches  him  by  night  and 
by  day.    An  unfeen  hand  fpreads  his  board,  fills  his  cup,  feed- 

etfr, 


JLe£h    XXIIi.J  jf.SUS   CHRJST.  269 

eth  him  with  food  convenient  for  him.  A  carelefs  fpirit  over- 
looks common  mercies,  lightly  efteems  them,  waftcs,  perverts, 
abufes  them.  And  where  the  hand  of  God  is  not  feen,  felt 
and  acknowledged,  there  can  be  no  enjoyment  Superior  to  that 
which  the  beads  01  the  field  have  in  common  with  the  ration-* 
al  creation.  The  devout  fpirit  refers  all  to  Deity,  and  thereby 
a  relifh  is  communicated  to  the  Simpleft  and  moll:  ordinary 
things.  **  A  dinner  of  herbs  where  love  is,  a  dry  morfel,  and 
quietnefs  therewith,"  far  exceed  the  luxury  of  the  M  flailed  ox,'* 
and  of  '*  a  houfe  lull  of  Sacrifices."  Herein  the  poor  have  in. 
finitely  the  fuperiority  over  the  rich  and  great.  Hunger  fea- 
fons  the  poor  man's  food,  thirft  Sweetens  his  cup,  labour  Soft, 
ens  his  couch.  He  beholds  his  daily  fupply  coming  from  the 
bounty  of  a  Father  in  heaven,  he  gives  God  thanks.  Thus 
meditates  the  Plalm<ift  in  contemplating  the  providential  care 
exercifed  over  all  creatures,  especially  thofe  of  the  human 
race  :  "  Man  goeth  forth  unto  his  work,  and  to  his  labour,  un- 
til the  evening.  O  Lord,  hpw  manifold  are  thy  works  !  in 
"wifdom  half  thou  made  them  all  :  the  earth  is  full  of  thy  rich- 
es :  So  is  this  great  and  wide  fea,  wherein  are  things  creeping 
innumerable,  both  (mall  and  great  beaSts.  There  go  the  fhips  ; 
there  is  that  leviathan,  whom  thou  hall  made  to  play  therein. 
Thefe  wait  all  upon  thee,  that  thou  may  eft  give  them  their 
meat  in  due  feafon.  That  thougivefl  them  they  gather  :  thou 
opened  thine  hand,  they  are  filled  with  good.  Thou  hidefr. 
thy  face,  they  are  troubled  :  thou  takefl  away  their  preath,they 
die  and  return  to  their  dull.  Thou  fendefl  forth  thy  fpirit, 
they  are  created  ;  and  thou  rcneweft  the  face  of  the  earth. 
The  glory  of  the  Lord  fhall  endure  for  ever  :  the  Lord  fhall 
rejoice  in  his  works."  Thus  is  the  eye  of  man,  from  day  to 
day,  alternately  directed  to  the  ground  out  of  which  he  him* 
fell  was  taken,  to  behold  the  fupport  of  his  life  likewife  fpring. 
ins  up  out  ot  it,  and  to  heaven,  toward  '•  the  Father  of  lights," 
tor,  "  every  good  gift,  and  every  perfect  gift  is  from  above." 
God,  in  his  great  mercy,  has  not  entrufted  to  human  reafon 
the  prefervation  of  the  body,  but  constantly  warns  him  by  an 
animal  inftlnft  of  what  his  frame  requires,  and  renders  that 
favoury  to  fenfe  which  he  knows  to  be  neceiTary  to  life  ;  and 
thus  pleafure  and  deity,  as  they  ever  ought,  go  hand  in  hand. 
*'  O  that  men  would  praife  the  Lord  for  his  goodnefs,  and  for 
his  wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men  ;  lor  he  fatii, 
ficth  the  longing  foul,  and  fjlleth  the  hungry  foul  with  good- 
nefs." 

2.     If  God  is  pleafed  to  humble  man,  and  to  fuffer  him   to 
hunger,  it  is  to  '*  make  him  know  that  man  doth  not  live  by 

bread 


#7^  HISTORY  OV  ['Left.  X'XIIl, 

•bread  only>  but  by  every  word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the 
-mouth  ot  the  Lord  doth  man  live."  In  the  animal  part  of  his 
nature  he  is  reduced  to  the  level  of  the  beafis  that  perifh  ;  in 
•his  fpirit  he  rifes  to  the  rank  of  angels,  he  draws  fupplies  im- 
mediately from  the  Father  of  fpirits,  he  feeds  on  immortal  food, 
he  drinks  of  the  *•  pure  river  of  water  of  life,  proceeding  out 
of  the  throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb.'*  The  Chriftian,  like 
his  divine  Mailer,  has  meat  to  eat  whichibe  world  knows  not 
of.  **  My  meat,"  fays  he,  "  is  to  do  the  will  of  him  that  fent 
me,  and  tofinifh  his  work  :"  and,  fpeaking  of  his  doctrine,  in, 
contrail  to  the  fupport  and  refrefhment  of  the  natural  life, 
*'  Whomever  drinketh  of  this  water  fhall  third  again  :  but 
wholoever  drinketh  of  the  water  that  I  fhall  give  him  fhall 
never  thirft  \  but  the  water  that  I  fhall  give  him  fhall  be  in 
him  a  well  of  water  fpringing  up  into  everlafting  life  ;"  and 
again,  under  the  fame  image  of  necellary  food  ;  "  My  father 
giveth  you  the  true  bread  from  heaven.  For  the  bread  tii 
<>od,  is  he  which  cometh  down  from  heaven,  and  giveth  life 
unto  the  world.  And  Jefus  faid  unto  them,  I  am  the  bread  of 
life  :  he  that  cometh  to  me  fhall  never  hunger  ;  and  he  that 
believeth  on  me  fhall  never  thirft."  "  Bleffed  are  they  which 
<lo  hunger  and  thirft  after  righteoufnefs :  for  they  fhall  be  El- 
led."  "  For  the  kingdom  ot  God  is  not  meat  and  drink;  but 
:xighteoufnefs,  and  peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft."  The 
heliever^s  feaft  is  thus  defcribed  by  one  who  was  a  liberal  par- 
taker of  it  :  **  Being  juftified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with 
God,  through  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  :  by  whom  alfo  we  have 
accefs  by  faith  into  this  grace  wherein  we  ftand,  and  rejoice  in 
hope  of  the  glory  of  God.  And  not  only  fo,  but  we  glory  in 
tabulations  alfo  :  knowing  that  tribulation  worketh  patience  ; 
and  patience,  experience  ;  and  experience,  hope  ;  and  hope 
jnaketh  not  afhamed  ;  becaufe  the  love  of  God  is  fhed  abroad 
.in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghoft,  which  is  given  unto  us  ;" 
and  in  another  place,  "  I  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  I 
am  perfuaded  that  he  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  com- 
mitted unto  him  againft  that  day."  *}  I  am  now  ready  to  be 
offered,  and  the  time  of  my  departure  is  at  hand.  I  have 
fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finifhed  my  courfe,  I  have  kept 
the  faith  :  henceforth  there  is. laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of  right- 
eoufnefs, which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge,  fhall  give  meat 
that  day  :  and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all  them  alfo  that  love 
Wis  appearing." 

3.  In  proportion  as  this  fpiritual  appetite  increases,  at- 
tachment to  the  world  will  diminifh.  Nature,  fays  the  prov- 
erb* is  fatisfied  with  little,  and  grace  with  ftill  lefs.    The  dif- 

cipte 


Left,  xxx!- 1. J'  jesus  CHiusr.  ru 

ciple  of  Jefus  knows  and  ieels  that  he  has  here  no  continuing, 
city,  and  therefore  feeks  one  to  come.  He  "  coveteth  no* 
man's  filver,  or  gold,  or  apparel."  While  the  rich  worldling. 
is  pulling  down  his  barns  and  building  greater,  in  which  to 
beftow  his  fruits  and  his  goods,  laying  up  treafure  for  himfelfc 
without  being  rich  towards  God,  the  follower  of  Chrift  is  em- 
ployed in  laying  up  "  treafures  in  heaven,  where  neither  moth 
nor  mil  doth  corrupt,  and  where  thieves  do  not  break  through 
nor  fteal."  He  defires  "  a  better  country,  that  is  an  heaven- 
ly :"  he  looks  for  "  a  city  which  hath  foundations,  whofe 
builder  and  maker  is  God."  His  mafler  has  taught  him,  when- 
he  prays,  to  fay  not,  M  give  me  much  goods  to  be  laid  up  for 
many  years,"  but  "  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :"  "  my 
heavenly  Father,  knoweth  what  things  I  really  need."  He 
Iwiows  that  the  day  of  the  Lord  cometh,  "  in  the  which  the 
heavens  (hall  pafs  away,  with  a  great  noife,  and  the  elements  mall 
melt  with  fervent  heat,  the  earth  alfo-,  and  the  works  that  are 
therein,  fhall  be  burnt  up."  He,  according  to  the  promife  of 
God,  who  cannot  lie,  "  looks  for  new  heavens  and  a  new 
earth,  wherein  dvvelleth  righteoufnefs."  Hence  he  learns  "  ii> 
whatever  flate"  Providence  may  be  pleafed  to  put  him,  "  there- 
with to  be  content."  n  I  know,"  fays  Paul,  "  both  how  to  be 
^bafed,  and  I  know  how  to  abound:  every  where,  and  in  alf 
things,  I  am  inftru6ted,  both  to  b*e  full  and  to  be  hungry,  botl> 
to  abound  and  to  fufFer  need.  I  can  do  all  things  through 
Chrift  which  ftrengtheneth  me."  "  Brethren,  the  time  is 
fhort,  it  remaineth,  that  they  who  weep  be  as  they  who  weep 
not  ;  and  they  that  rejoice,  as  though  they  rejoiced  not  ;  and 
they  that  buy,  as  though  they  pofTefTed  not  ;  and  they  that  ufe 
this  world,  as  not  abufing  it  :  for  the  fafhion  of  this  world  paf- 
feth  away." 

4.  Let  the  minifters  of  Chrift  remember  that  they  are  "  flew. 
ards  ot  the  rayfteries  of  God,"  and  that  "  it  is  required  in  flew- 
ards,  that  a  man  be  found  faithful."  That  which  they  deliver 
to  others,  they  tliemfelves  received  from  the  Lord.  There  is 
one  and  the  fame  fare  provided  for  them,  and  for  their  fellow 
fervartts,  and  the  provifio-n  is  at  once  excellent  and  abundant. 
Ifcvery  one  is  entitled  to  the  portion  moft  fuitable  to  him,  and 
in  the  proper  feafon.  M  New  born  babes,"  in  Chrift,  "  defire 
the  (incere  milk  ot  the  word,  that  they  may  grow  thereby." 
'*  But  ftrong  meat  belongeth  to  them  that  are  of  full  age,  even. 
thofe  who,  by  reafon  of  ufe,  have  their  fenfes  exercifed  to  dif- 
eem  both  good  and  evil."  In  various  ways  may  a  fteward  be 
found  unfaithful  to  his  trull.  He  may  be  negligent,  and  then 
the  houfehold  runs  into  confufion  and  every  evil  work  ;  eve- 
ry 


£/2  HISTORY  Of  [Left.   XXflXc 

ry  one  dies  that  wnich  is  right  in  his  own  eyes,  and  of  confe- 
quence  every  thing  goes  wrong.  He  may  withhold  what  is 
due,  and  the  family  ftarves.  The  food  may  be  improperly 
mixed,  and  thereby  changed  into  poifon.  He  may  be  in- 
judicious, and  the  aliment  of  the  healthy  and  vigorous  is  ad- 
miniffered  to  the  ptiny  and  feeble,  while  the  delicate  nourifh- 
ment  that  fuits  ficklinefs  and  imbecility  is  prefented  to  maturi- 
ty and  Orertgth.  He  may  be  deliberately  wicked,  and  betray 
the  truft  which  he  Was  appointed  to  guard.  As  a  contrail  to 
this  melancholy  picture,  turn  your  eyes  to  the  portrait  of  that 
faithful  fteward,  ar$  able  miniiler  of  the  New  Teftament,  the 
apoftle  of  the  Gentiles,  in  the  folemrt  appeal  which  he  makes 
to  the  elders  of  Ephefus,  on  bidding  them  a  final  farewel  ; 
M  Ye  know,  from  the  firft  day  that  I  came  into  Afia,  after  what 
manner  I  have  been  with  you  at  all  feafons,  ferving  the  Lord 
with  all  humility  of  mind,  and  with  many  tears  and  tempta- 
tions which  befel  me  by  the  lying  in  wait  of  the  Jews  ;  and 
how  I  kept  back  nothing  that  was  profitable  unto  you,  hut  have 
ihewed  you,  and  have  taught  you  publicly,  and  from  houfe  to 
houfe,  teftifying  both  to  the  Jews,  and  alfo  to  the  Greeks,  re- 
pentance toward  God,  and  faith  toward  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift. 
And  now,  behold,  I  go  bound  in  the  fpirit  unto  Jerufalem,  not 
knowing  the  things  that  (hall  befal  me  there;  fave  that  the 
Holy  Ghoft  witnefFeth  in  every  city,  faying,  that  bonds  and 
afflictions  abide  me.  But  none  of  thefe  things  move  me,  nei- 
ther count  I  my  life  dear  unto  myfelf,  fo  that  I  might  finifh 
my  courfe  with  joy,  and  the  miniflry  which  I  have  received 
of  the  Lord  Jefus,  to  teftify  the  Gofpel  of  the  grace  of  God." 
"  I  take  you  to  record  this  day,  that  I  am  pure  from  the  blood 
of  all  men  ;  for  I  have  not  fhunned  to  declare  unto  you  the 
whole  counfel  of  God — remember,  that,  by  the  fpace  of  three 
years,  I  ceafed  not  to  warn  every  one  night  and  day  with 
tears. — I  have  mewed  you  all  things,  how  that  fo  labouring  ye 
ought  to  fupport  the  weak  ;  and  to  remember  the  words  oi 
the  Lord  Jefus,  how  he  faid,  it  is  more  blefTed  to  give  than  to 
receive."  But  there  is  an  appeal  ftill  more  folemn  and  affeft- 
ing,  and  in  circumftances  infinitely  more  inteieiling,  that  of 
the  chief  Shepherd  himfelf, addreiTed  to  his  heavenly  Father,' 
in  the  near  profpect.  ■*  of  his  deceafe  which  he  mould  accom- 
plifh  at  Jerufalem."  "  I  have  glorified  thee  on  the  earth:  1 
have  fmifhed  the  work  which  thou  gaveft  me  to  do.  And  now, 
O  Father,  glorify  thou  me  with  thine  own  felf,  with  the  glory 
which  I  had  with  thee  before  the  world  was.  I  have  rnanifeft- 
ed  thy  name  unto  the  men  which  thou  gaveft  me  out  of  the 
world  ;  thine  they  were,  and  thou  gaveft  them  me  ;  and  they 

have 


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have  kept  thy  word.  Now  they  have  known  that  all  things, 
"WhatfoeveT  thou  haft  given  me,  are  of  thee  :  for  I  have  given 
unto  them  the  words  which  thou  gaveft  me  :  and  they  have  re- 
ceived them,  and  have  known  furely  that  I  came  out  from  thee, 
find  they  have  believed  that  thou  didft  iend  me."  M  Holy  Fa- 
ther, keep  through  thine  own  name  thofe  whom  thou  haft  giv- 
en me,  that  they  may  be  one,  as  we  are." 

5.  Let  not  the  conftant  and  regular  operations  of  Deity,  in 
the  courfe  of  nature  and  providence  be  overlooked.  Like  the 
people  who  "  did  eat  ofthe  loaves  and  were  filled,"  we  take 
and  enjoy  the  repaft,  but  difcern  not  the  miracle  which  pro- 
duced it.  The  naturalift  traces  the  progrefs  ot  vegetation  as 
an  amufement,  as  a  branch  of  fcience.  The  hufbandman  pur- 
fues  it  as  his  deitined occupation,  he  caffs  feed  into  the  ground, 
leaves  it  there  and  goes  to  lleep,  obferves  it  day  alter  day 
fpringing  and  growing  up,  he  knoweth  not  how  ;  firft  the 
blade,  then  the  ear,  alter  that  the  lull  corn  in  the  ear,  but  hit 
eye  and  his  heart  are  all  the  while  fet  on  the  time  of  putting  in 
the  fickle,  when  the  harveil  is  come.  The  eager  merchant 
too  watches  the  procefs,  as  a  commercial  fpeculation,  as  favor- 
able or  unfavorable  to  his  plans  ot  buying,  and  felling,  and 
getting  gain.  With  what  a  different  eye  does  a  devotional 
ipirit  contemplate  Deity  fpreading  a  table  for  every  thing  that 
lives  !  The  Chriftian  confiders  the  tare  upon  his  own  board, 
whether  fimple  or  fumptuous,  flowing  in  whatever  chan- 
nel, coming  from  the  eaft  or  from  the  weft,  from  the 
foHth  or  from  the  north,  as  a  fupply  immediately  furni/hed 
by  the  hand  of  his  heavenly  Father,  as  children's  bread, 
as  a  foretafte  of  the  rich  provifion  ot  his  Father's  houfe  a- 
bove.  This  communicates  to  ordinary  things  a  reliih  un- 
known to  the  banquets  of  the  luxurious  and  the  proud. 
With  the  five  thoufand  he  beholds  his  God  in  perfon  feeding 
him.  He  pafTes  from  the  table  which  he  calls  his  own,  and  at 
which  his  divine  Matter  fat  as  a  gueft,  though  invifible,  to 
that  which  Jefus  emphatically  calls  his,  and  he  finds  it  replen- 
ifhed  «'  with  all  the  fulnefs  ot  God."  He  eats  and  is  fatisfied, 
he  goes  on  his  way  rejoicing,  he  advances  From  ftrength  to 
ftrength,  he  mounts  upas  on  eagles'  wings,  he  runs  and  is  not 
weary,  he  walks  and  faints  not.  Thus  may  every  one  o(  us  in 
the  Zion  that  is  above  appear  before  God.  "  The  grace  ot 
the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift,  and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  commun- 
ion of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  be  with  you  all.     Amen." 

THE  END, 
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